Whispers of the Sea 



by 



Charlotte Flynn Murphy. 



Manitowoc, Wisconsin. 






Copyright 1911 

by 

Charlotte Flynn Murphy 



^ / 



Printed by 

The Pilot Pixblishing Co. 

Manitowoc, Wisconsin. 



©CI.A2D5578 



CONTENTS. 



A Prayer _____ 13 

Dedication - - - - - - 14 

June, Sweet June - - ~ - 16 

Not Quite - - _ - - - 18 

The Night Wind _ _ - _ 20 

The Scroll - - - - - - 23 

My Mother _____ 24 

Seek First God's Kingdom - - - 26 

Interruptions - - - - - 27 

To Sister M. Calizanza - - - - 29 

The Better Part - - - - 30 

Reaching the Shore - - - - 31 

"Beautiful Snow" _ _ _ _ 34 

Dust Unto Dust ----- 35 

Dismas _____ 37 

Childhood's Wisdom - . - - - 40 

Mary Ann - - - - - - 44 



The Soul's Adieu - - - - 49 

Baby's Faith - - - - - 51 

Where is Paradise? - - - - 53 

My First Born Son - - - - 55 

May's Mourning _ _ _ _ 55 

Christ and the Little Children - - - 57 

The Wanderer's Return - - - - 59 

Life Knows But One May - - - 63 

Maggie Lee - - - - - - 65 

What Is, Is Best - 71 

Baby's Song - - - - - 72 

Kathleen - - - - - 73 

Elsie - - - - - -77 

The Babe That Died - - - - 82 

The Intruder - - - - - 83 

Resignation - - _ _ _ 85 

The Whip-Poor-Will - - - - 86 

A Piece of Lace _ _ _ _ 88 

In Memory of Father B. W. Lorrigan - - 89 



Retrospection - - - - - 90 

Clouds ------ 91 

My Tempter - - - - - 92 

When The Children are Grown - - 95 

Star of the Sea 98 

My Husband ----- loi 

Memories ------ 102 

April's Pruning _ - - - 103 

Dread of Oblivion - - - - 105 

Yuletide ----- 108 

Cherry Blossoms - - - - 126 

Sister Bessie _ _ - - - 142 

Spring - - - - - - 151 

Why I Rhyme - - - - - 152 

Ingratitude - - - - - i54 

My Lover - - - - - i55 

The Picture Could Tell - - - 156 

The Dream _ - - - - 157 

Beyond the Sunset - - - - 163 



A Prayer. 

O how me Thy way; 

^^ remove this web 

Of work and care 

of joy and pain 
And show Thou me 

in mercy where 
The path that leads 

to Thee lies plain. 
Then give me strength 

and courage; then 
Oh do Thou give me 

grace, dear God, 
To know Thy will 

and follow still 
That pathway that 

the saints have trod. 



Dedication. 



Great Inland Sea! your billows bend 

Like willows in your deep. 
Your songs, like those your breakers send 

First sang me into sleep. 

Great Inland Sea! upon your strand 
I wakened from my drowse — 

Your waves had beckoned a command — 
Your voice bade me arouse! 

I felt your strange and potent force, 
Your charming, changing way. 

Your mystery — that magic source 
Of all your power to sway! 

The song-sounds on your surf ne'er cease. 

And listening to their swell, 
I've wondered, in their wild caprice, 

What your wide waters tell. 



The tales they tell I've tried to guess — 

Tales of the other lands 
Their waves have touched with that caress 

That hands give clasping hands! 

And my dear eldest sister sought 

By every cheering word, 
To urge me on to write the thought 

Expressed in what I heard. 

Absorbed in thought I tried to learn 

Your whisperings oh, Sea! 
But sister said: "Thou dost discern 

The tales they tell to thee!" 

Persuading thus by cheering phrase 

This fair sweet sister stirred 
My slow desire that public gaze 

Should read the words I heard. 

And so this book dear sister mine, 

I dedicate to thee, 
Whose words like shells cast from the brine 

Hold "Whispers of the Sea." 



l6 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 



June, Sweet June. 

Let me fold my arms about you 

June, sweet June! 
Let me hold you here forever 
With your salient, sunny weather 
With your verdant vales, your heather, 
And your song-birds all in tune. 
For they sing as never sing they 
In the months less fair than you 
And the blossoms bring as bring they 
To no other month such hue, 
And the mirror-sea reflecting 
Every whim your skies portray 
Doubles them while intersecting 
Her own tints of rose and gray. 
Goddess you, oh month of splendor! 
Shedding love-light, lasting, tender. 
With your gracious charms that render 
You of love and light the vendor — 

June, sweet June! 

Do not float away, but listen 

Grant this boon. 
And we'll watch your swallovv-s playing 
Watch your wide-winged sea-gulls swaying 
Watch your sunlight softly straying 
Through your thatch of leaves at noon. 
And at twilight shall we listen 
As the shadows close around — 
Just before the dew drops glisten — 
To that lulling, soothing sound 
Slowly o'er the senses passing 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 17 

Like the last faint echoing thrill 
Of creation's harpsichord, pausing 
Ere it trembles and grows still! 
This we'd do and never tire 
June, sweet June. 

If you have an imperfection 

June, sweet June, 
It is lost out on the ether 
Where the lilacs bend and breathe their 
Fragrant breath, and roses wreathe their 
Glory 'round their goddess June! 
Wind and wave both cease commotion 
When your wonder-wand holds sway. 
Earth and air and billowy ocean 
Bow before you on your way, 
As you sweep along sweet-scented 
With the fairest flowers that grow 
And your placid brow contented 
With the favor gods bestow. 
Nymph of gladness while we're greeting. 
Laughing, backward, you're retreating 
With adieus and we're repeating 
"Stay forever, you're too fleeting, 

June, sweet June! ^' 



1 8 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

Not Quite. 

At the opera Mikado he missed not a word 
As they sang the sweet song of "Tit Willow" 
And he heartily pitied the poor little bird 
That had furnished the theme for "Tit Willow!' 
He thought it quite queer that a birdie should die 
In that wicked v/ay when perhaps very nigh, 
Another as fair as the false one he'd spy 
If he kept right on singing "Tit Willow." 

Experience then had not taught him the pain 
As contained in that "Willow, tit willow" 
For life still to him was as smooth as the strain 
Of the music in "Willow, tit willow!" 
Life's trials will come and its trials to him 
Came in shape of a maiden, dear, dainty and trim 
Apart from whose presence the sunlight to him 
Lost half of its glory and halo! 

All went very well till a rival appeared — 

As the fruit of love's vintage seemed mellow — 

But the track of the simoon that leaves all things seared 

Seemed the pathway pursued by that fellow. 

Completely the maiden's affections were won 

By this rival force ere his wooing'd begun; 

The lover thought life held naught more to be done 

Aud followed the plan of "Tit Willow." 

The shadows hung low o'er the river's deep bed 

The night-birds sweep swift past his shoulder. 

Resloves that had rushed like a race through his head 

Grew steadily less and less bolder. 

His reason ran high as his fervor ran low 

He weighed many truths that the ebb and the flow 

Of the years bring us all but that few of us know 

Till our minds have grown wiser and older. 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA IQ 

At the river he looked running swift and so cold, 
Rushing on past the brake and the willow 
And he wondered how anyone could be so bold 
As to breast those black waves like "Tit Willow." 
And he queried how anyone just for a wife, 
Could loosen all physical hold upon life 
And not even end, as the bird did, his strife 
In a music as sweet as "Tit Willow." 

In a fisherman's hut on the bank standing near. 

Looking out from a lattice of willow, 

The fisherman's wife he could see plain and clear 

As she laid down a babe on its pillow. 

Then the little ones gathered to pray at her knee 

And he thought of a time when like them he was free, 

With a heart as untrammelled as wind on the sea 

And no thought of a grave 'neath the billow. 

Then a plash of the home-bending oars as they came, 
From the sea where they'd battled the billows. 
And a flash as the moon lit the spray like a flame 
And the boat-man sped in through the willows. 
Then sounded the grind of the keel on the sand. 
As the home-hungry fisherman once more touched land. 
A few moments more and his fatherly hand 
Stroked softly the heads on the pillow. 

There were love, life and light in the humble hut yon 
There were sighs in the sough of the billow! 
The lover looked city-ward — bright lights burned on 
From the thousands of homes! "Oh, Tit Willow," 
He said, "How foolish I'd be to float out to the sea. 
It is too large a grave to be filled up by me. 
There are fishes to catch and my tackle's more free 
When I'm over not under the billow!" 



20 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

The Night Wind. 

[Written for Clement, aged ten years.] 

They had gone to town and left us — 

Father, mother, Tom and Tray — 
And we didn't think we'd miss them 

And we didn't while 'twas day; 
But when night came and the storm came, 

May and Maud and Ben and I 
Sat a-listening to the Night-wind 

As it shrieked and hurried by. 

Close beside the kitchen gable 

Stood a chestnut tree, wide spread. 
How its great burs struck the shingles 

Of the roof right overhead! 
And they made a noise that even 

Grown up people'd hate to hear, 
So we huddled 'round the firelight 

Fearing with a nameless fear! 

Then we four all talked in whispers, 

And we talked the strangest things 
And we called the Night-wind "Ogre" 

And we fancied it had wings! 
And had hands, and feet like talons, 

And had wild, weird watching eyes 
That were peering through the casement 

As if searching for some prize! 

And we fancied that its fingers. 

Long and black were taking hold 

Of the shutters and were shaking them, 
And then our cheeks grew cold! 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 21 

And we huddled close together 

For we heard the window creak! — 

And-we-heard— yes, sure, we all heard 
A voice and heard it speak! 

And we heard a tapping, tapping 

As the Night-wind's nails might tap — 
Then the chestnuts hit the shingles 

And our heartstrings seemed to snap! 
Then again a voice spoke plainly 

And we girls all clung to Ben, 
But our terror raised his courage — 

"Who's afraid?" he asked, and then 

Oh, we just hung to his jacket 

As he rushed right over where 
We had heard the voice and tapping 

And we saw — an object there! 
It was black, with feet like talons. 

It had eyes and it had wings — 
Ben quickly raised the window 

And in walked! — of all wet things! — 

Mud-bedraggled, rain be-spattered 

But without doubt someone's pet. 
For he swaggered and demanded 

"Isn't supper ready yet?" 
Long and loud rang out our laughter 

As we smoothed his ruffled coat; 
Taking pains to give him welcome, 

Taking pains that he should know it. 

And we quite forgot to answer 

His pert question till he set 
His head upon one side and croaked, 

"Isn't supper ready yet?" 



22 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

We forgot about the Night-wind 
And the storm and dark outside 

While we made the raven's supper 
And his rumpled feathers dried. 

We forgot about our terror 

Or the chestnuts jarring fall — 
Soon we heard the horses neighing 

And our father's cheering call! 
In the center of the table 

With a dish of tempting food 
Stood the raven, while the family 

Drew around in laughing mood. 

Jesting at his little swagger 

And his haughty air and then 
Wondering if he'd want to leave us 

When the daylight came again. 
When the daylight came, the raven 

Seemed still more inclined to stay 
But that solitary sentence 

Was the only thing he'd sa}^ 

And he croaks it when the Night-wind 

Shakes the chestnuts with a din, 
And we wonder if he's thinking 

Of the night we let him in. 
And the Night-wind when it whistles 

Never even makes us wince 
For it brought to us a treasure 

And we've loved it ever since! 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 23 

The Scroll. 

Write out your troublous fancies, oh my soul, 
And in fantastic figure deck the scroll, 
And leave upon its margin no void space, 
But make replete and leave its facts to face 
You afterward. A guide book you'll produce 
To show you oft the better road to choose. 

Write out your thought and burdenless you'll find 
A cheerier comrade in your lightened mind. 
Write out the bitterness you feel alone 
Though many lives are throbbing near your own. 
Write out the loneliness that must be yours 
While compacts hold and this strange life endures. 

Write out your yearning for the higher life — 
The slopes of peace that lead beyond all strife; 
That rise above the sordid things of earth 
To atmosphere of beauty, art and worth; 
That atmosphere where moves as does the sea 
Wave upon wave of Heaven's own ecstacy! 

Where falls the light straight from the heart of God 
Where worship, worship, worship breaks the clod 
That clothes and burdens and deforms the more 
The earth-bound soul that hath the will to soar! 
Write out this troubling of the higher mind 
That vainly seeks companion of its kind! 

But let us reason, as we write, my soul, 

And as a steed our rising rage control 

And let no selfish, sordid thought defile 

The page we'll look to, for help after while. 

Let not a stain mark where vain tears were shed. 

Nor empty space show where lost time has sped. 



24 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

Great is the soul that battles on alone. 
Strong is the heart suppressing every moan. 
Full is the life that's lived for others' weal. 
Holy the hands bestowing balms to heal. 
Rich is the mind if impressed by the thought 
The Master's will must first of all be wrought. 

Higher the worship when the spirit's bent 
In meek submission to the labor sent. 
Clearer the vision if the eye seeks oft 
The alderlight that gleams for all aloft. 
Thus must you live and must you write, my soul 
For future reference, plainly on your scroll! 



My Mother. 

One last look and lo, the sunshine 

Kissed thy forehead as did we; 
While the sea-gulls circled skyward 

From the swirling rifts of sea. 
Here upon the crest we laid thee, 

Laid thee down to sleep and rest 
With thy folded fingers clasping 

Flowers lying on thy breast. 
They were roses and carnations 

And their fragrance filled thy bed; 
They were white, as were the tresses 

Resting crown-like on thy head. 
My Mother. 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 25 

Sleeping here, thy last sweet slumber 

'Neath the sunshine and the glow 
Of the blossoms without number 

That above thee bud and blow; 
Thou dost heed not sigh or shrieking 

From the weird and wild-waved deep 
Of yon sea when storms are raging, 

For they break not on thy sleep 
My Mother. 

Here, the grasses waving o'er thee 

Bowed, with dew-damp from the sea. 
Whisper to thee in the twilight 

As thou whispered oft to me. 
Roses weave their roots around thee 

While their fragrant petals spread 
In a gay capricious cover 

O'er the confines of thy bed. 
Just as long ago thy fingers 

Clasped about me their embrace, 
And thy lips like fragrant petals 

Scattered kisses o'er my face, 
My Mother. 

Though the sea-gulls circle o'er thee 

Though the waves wash near thy bed, 
Though the sea sings requiems to thee 

Thou art sleeping and not dead. 
Free and fetterless thy spirit 

Wings its way through realms of bliss — 
Growing on in deathless merit — 

Faith in thee hath told me this, 
My Mother. 



26 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

Seek First God's Kingdom. 

The Faith that guided me doth tell, 
"All must be well, all shall be well," 

Though time hath led me on to where 
The winds are wild the braes are bare. 

My path is lost 'twixt ford and fen 

And weeds grow where the flowers have been. 

Still, midst it all I am not lost, 

For Faith that showed me all the cost 

And all the pain and all the blight 
Showed me as well this way is right. 

For he who seeks God's kingdom first — 
Who, for His justice is athirst 

Shall find all else is his one day. 

So Saith the Word. And thus, the v/ay 

That leads me where the flowers die 
And sunbeams from the shadows fly. 

Still teems with hope, still points to where 
Love, light and bloom my way will share. 

Where Faith will say "Did I not tell 
'All must be well, all shall be well.-" " 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 27 

Interruptions. 

I take my pen and fain would try 

To trace in ready rhyme 
The thoughts that innermost do He — 

The rhythm of soul, the chime 
Of all the senses blent in one; 

These I'd unfold and bring 
My thoughts as clear as waters run — 

I, with my pen would sing! 

With petty cares far from me flung, 

That bind as binds the thong. 
And with my soul like harp high strung. 

Filled with an unsung song; 
Fm ready, pen poised, quick to speed 

My rapid thought to sight. 
My soul, from chafing shackles freed 

Speeds outward with delight. 

I sweep the skies, I touch the poles! 

I reach from sphere to sphere! 
And boundless is the space that rolls 

Between my mind and here! 
Exultant as the eagle feels 

When poised upon the crest 
Of jagged rock where man's mind reels 

Yet where she builds her nest! 

And, eagle-like the glaring sun 

Dims not the dauntless glance 
My spirit flashes toward the one 

Bright goal as I advance. 
I tremble with that strange delight. 

That novel sense of seeing 
A mystic world filled with the sprite 

That in my mind found being. 



28 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

The pen descends with rapid trace 
Along the poHshed sheet; 

When lo, the dream floats off in space— 
I hear the sound of feet! 

The sound of noisy stamping feet, 
That shake the sturdy floor, 

As suddenly from off the street 

They rush in through the door. 

The pen is raised, the papers slide 

Abashed adown my knee, 
As through the door-way opened wide 

A draft strikes from the sea. 
The voices raised to moot their wrongs 

Fall rudely on my ear; 
I glance down at the unsung songs 

But see my duty clear. 

Ungratified, my soul the while 

Discordant and disturbed, 
I find it hard to turn and smile 

With each fine fancy curbed. 
Yet I do smile and turn to meet 

These boisterous, roisterous three — 
These owners of the noisy feet. 

For they're my babes, you see. 

^ And down the dripping pen is thrown. 

The thoughts unwrit remain, 
And in the rights or wrongs they own, 

I loyal interest f^i^ji; 
Though in my heart the song runs on 

And beckons like a dream, 
I scorn it now as useless spawn 

Strewn on a stagnant stream! 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 29 

One impluse is the first to come: 

Years speed too swift awa}^ 
Soon I'll not hear the busy hum 

Of these, mj' babes, at play. 
And this thought rules: "Their claims are prior, 

Their titles best though brief, 
They are my own, my heart's desire 

They are my charge in chief! 

And folding close these treasures mine. 

These jewels. Heaven sent, 
I realize their luster fine 

Is all too briefly lent. 
I sigh not for the songs repressed 

For they'll return anon. 
And can be written when the best 

Of God's best gifts, are gone! 



To Sister M. Calizanza. 

[Upon the occasjon of the boys graduating from her school.] 

As a beacon light, as a guiding star 
O'er a strange and troublous sea, 

Thou hast been to two voyagers, who not far, 
Had sailed from the shore and me. 

And a mother's prayer as they float from sight 
Where the future's waves are free. 

Is: "Far or near, morn, noon or night 
May they find a guide like thee." 



30 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

The Better Part. 

Oh, lost Lucille, my woe, my weal! 

Bright blossom blighted in your bloom! 
Oh fatal dart that pierced my heart! 

Swift sunlight deepened into gloom! 
My eyes still reach the wide, smooth beach, 

On which we strolled at eventide. 
The sea-gulls swayed, sank low, and played 

Above you, whom I walked beside. 

And did they hear, while circling near, 

The words I never spoke again.'' 
Or met their sight, the fingers white, 

That clung to mine so closely then.? 
That clung to mine, as clings the vine 

Around the trunk decay has doomed; 
It fain would bless, soothe and caress 

One in whose heart hope lies entombed. 

Near by, a rock repelled the shock 

Of billows boiling o'er its crest; 
They washed away the moss that lay 

Protectingly upon its breast. 
Just as my soul replused the roll 

Of passions rising to subdue, 
And sweep away among their spray. 

The love that lingered, lost but true! 

'Tis now long past. The waves at last 

Wash peacefully upon the shore. 
I pace the sand and in my hand 

I hold a little cross you wore. 
Oh, loved Lucille, your loss I feel! 

The mists are lowering on the sea — 
Your choice was Christ and this sufficed 

To calm the raging storms for me. 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 3 1 

But Still the past will rise and cast 

Its gloom; although I oft oppressed 
My stubborn soul within control 

And tried to think all for the best. 
We'll meet again, but will the pain 

You gave to me have died away? 
Or will it rise? And will the skies 

Cloud over, in Eternal Day? 

Or will we stand upon the sand 

Stretched out upon that Silent Shore, 
And look to earth where we had birth, 

And smile at passions long passed o'er? 
And will you prove that yours was love 

And mine a storm-tossed, aching heart? 
And will I see you chose for me 

As well as you "the better part?" 



Reaching the Shore. 

The night-winds call outside 

As they wander on the tide, 
And my heart delights to follow where they go. 

As upon this fevered bed 

Though it wears a 'broidered spread 
Memory shifts the shadovz-scenes of long ago. 

Robert, take me by the hand 

For I seem unnerved, unmanned — 
Cheer and calm me as you did when we were boys; 

When we clambered cliff and rock. 

Heedless of the fall or shock 
So we shared each other's boyish griefs and joys. 



32 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

I cannot see this room 

It is filled with mists and gloom 
But I know that beauty beams on every side. 

Yet beyond the silken screens 

Far away, familiar scenes 
Come floating back like flotsam on the tide. 

See the sunlight how it beams 

Where the burnished copper gleams 
On the walls of mother's kitchen white and bright? 

Through the window toward the sea, 

How she watched for you and me 
As we paddled on the surf around the bight! 

Hark! Listen to the roar 

Of the breakers on the shore 
Tumbling in and tossing high their powdered crest. 

Ho, Robert! where's the boat.? 

Let us set 'The Swan' afloat 
Now, wind and wave and breaker do your best!" 

"Hold, John, the years have flown 

Like swallows to their home, 
And they've left their traces on us in their flight; 

Strangers' children long have strayed 

On the shore-land where we played. 
And your mother.? She is far from there tonight! 

"You're far from home; but v/hen 

You're strong and well again 
We shall visit all those happy haunts of old. 

Keep your courage, John and meet 

This new hazard with defeat — 
Fight it like a man for now we're men we're told." 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 33 

"Yes Robert, I shall try — 

See the blue of yonder sky! 
See the meadows sloping downward toward the bay! 

See the glorious golden grain 

Waving like the billowy main, 
See the breakers bathe the headlands in their spray! 

"Rise ye waters, laugh and play, 

Speed our feather-bark away, 
Toss your whitecaps at her dainty, dashing prow! 

Sweep ye winds and drift us still, 

We'll be guided by your will — 
Hearts as care-free never beat as ours beat now. 

"Robert, see the fog that fills 

In upon the bay and chills 
Even now the very marrow in my bones? 

Head for shore and let me feel 

The harsh grating of her keel 
As she ploughs a furrow inward through the stones. 

"Oh, my mother are 5^ou here? 

Now, I felt that you were near! 
Were you waiting in the chill and in the dew? 

Let me feel your arms entwine 

Like the tendrils of a vine, 
I am tired and I'm-going-home-with-you," 

Softly Robert stroked the hair 

That dear mother thought so fair. 
Fairer now because so freely flecked with white. 

Folded he those wasted hands; 

Life had run its sunny sands — 
John had reached the shore and mother, sure, tonight. 



34 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

"Beautiful Snow." 

[An answer to a rhymester who sneered at the writer of that 
beautitul poem.] 

The beautiful snow, oh, the beautiful snow 

Was the theme of a poem we read long ago. 

They who read it still think with a pit3ang throe 

Of how sad was the writer of "Beautiful Snow." 

She, who poured from her poor pent-up bosom the pain 

That had burdened it long and as long must remain 

As life lasted. 'Twere well then that life was so brief 

To her who in "Beautiful Snow" told her grief. 

Told her grief, and there listened a pitying world, 

Told her shame and no stone at the sinner was hurled. 

Her soul thus laid bare was soon covered we know 

By a charity, pure as the beautiful snow. 

How spurned and forsaken how weary of wrong 

Was the heart that burst forth in that desolate song! 

How free the forgiveness, the mercy, that stirred 

In the breasts of the people its pathos that heard! 

Most sincere their forgiveness. Somewhere vv^e have read 

The voice of the people is God's voice 'tis said. 

But certain it is, when a sinner's down trod 

It is she, not her scoffers who draws near to God. 

And that we, ere we judge her would do well to know 

If our own little souls are as pure as the snow! 

Let those who pen doggerel and foist a weak rhyme 

In attempting to cheapen her poem sublime 

Prove anew the old adage, whose point is so fine, 

And acknowledge how wasted are pearls cast to swine. 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 35 

Dust Unto Dust. 

"Dust to dust!" Full well we know 
It will come our time to go — 

To join the major band gone on before. 
We must cross the silent river, 
Flowing on and on forever^ 

Freighting every day its waters from our shore. 

We know not when or where, 
But we know the saddened air 

Will one day waft the murmur, "He is gone!" 
And we know the ghastly sight 
Of that face — once our delight — 

Will repulse e'en the most loving looker-on. 

But we hurry on the same 
In life's wild exciting game; 

Though eternity's the only prize we win. 
But we know its light or shade, 
And its up or downward grade, 

Is determined by our conquests over Sin. 

And how oft we've turned away 
From the soul forsaken clay 

Of a friend whom death has stricken unaware; 
And resolved to live in grace 
And to meet God face to face 

Conscious we have walked in virtue everywhere. 

But we turn and soon are whirled 
In the maelstrom of the world — 

In its round of work or gayety find Sin. 
As a friend we grasp his hand, 
And we join his chosen band. 

While we hurry on eternity to win! 



36 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

How then shall we meet the One, 
Whose work we've poorly done, 

As he metes us out the earnings of our day. 
If the seeds our hands have sown. 
All to weeds and thorns have grown 

And the hours of love and mercy gone for aye? 

Sad and solemn will it be 

If we hear "Depart from Me," 

From lips that breathed of mercy from above. 
And whose sweet and constant prayer 
Was, that we might meet him where 

The "House of many mansions" proves His love. 

Let us watch and wait and pray, '*) 

Serve and love and trust alway— 

We know Death in the distance surely stands. 
We do not know the day, 
But he'll surely come our way, 

The scythe of swift destruction in his hands. 

Every day he's one day nearer — 
Steady comes his step! And clearer, 

Sounds the sentence once pronounced upon us all. 
And if we but stop to listen 
We can hear his keen steel hissing 

Hear the murmur of the grasses as they fall! 

Let us turn us then away 
From temptation here alway; 

As we sow the seeds of virtue so we'll reap. 
Let us live so we ma)'^ smile 
When we meet Death, even while 

Those who love us stand around our bed and weep. 

[The above was a sermon given by Rev. Father E. F. Pitt 
of Meeme, Wis., in May 1887. The writer only rhymed the 
sentences it contained.] 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 37 

Dismas. 

We g'aze afar, we feel the jar 

Of centuries past us sweeping; 
We hear again the shouts of men — 

The wail of women weeping! 

Down darksome street we dread to meet 

A motley mob there surging; 
Now backward swung, then forward flung, 

Like waves and crags converging. 

They swarm about with fiendish shout, 

One in their midst surrounding; 
The empty halls and hearkening walls 

Like shrieking ghouls resounding. 

E'en doth repeat the stony street, 

The misty mount and hollow! 
The cattle low and to and fro 

Flits the affrighted swallow! 

In trembling fear we draw a-near — 

The crowd our way retarding — 
And close we scan this central Man 

The mob is closely guarding. 

The torches' glare falls on His fair 
Broad brow which glows distinct as 

Superb He stands; His thong-bound hands 
Are folded like a prince's. 

His head aloft throws back the soft, 

Rich hair in tangled masses; 
He lifts His glance and like a lance 

Its quick gleam through us passes. 



38 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

No hate therein, and no chagrin; 

His eyes are mild and tender, 
And show no fear, though seeing near 

No follower or defender. 

But on and on slow creeps the dawn 

And slow the mists uplifted; 
Still, to and fro as waters go 

The wearying cortege shifted. 

The cry "Upon us be His blood, 
Aye, and upon our children!" 

Borne on the red of morning sped 
To faithful hearts and chilled them, 

The prison yawns and lo, its spawns 
Yield forth two trembling wretches; 

Under the ban like to this Man 
For whom the cross outstretches. 

Three crosses high against the sky 
Each lifts an anguished burden — 

A torturing bed for weary head, 
For toil a bitter guerdon! 

'Mid jeering scoff and brutish laugh. 
The Christ, the King hangs bleeding 

From every vein; but more His pain 
That so few friends were heeding. 

No sound they raise to say His praise; 

Faith have they, but 'tis hidden; 
Let us rejoice, there was one voice 

Spoke out, though all unbidden; 

The angels heard that felon's word 
Ring through the darkness, cheering 

Christ's sinking heart — soothing the smart 
Somewhat of others' jeering. 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 39 

Before that horde he called out, "Lord!" 
Faith, in his words had winged them, 

"Remember me, when, Lord," cried he, 
"Thou'lt come into thy kingdom!" 

Back from that tree on Calvary 

Far-famed in sacred story 
Came swift the word that Dismas heard 

And crowned his life with glory! 

Words which we pray to hear some day — 

Pray for with tears and sighs, 
"I say to thee this day thou'lt be 

With me in Paradise." 

Thou, first fruit of the vine whose root 

In Calvary's rocks engendered, 
Thou, fearless soul, where hangs the scroll 

On which thy name is rendered? 

Unwrit? Unheard? Not so; the Word 

Thy cenotaph hath grounded. 
And deathless fame thy words of flame 

Hath far and wide resounded. 

Thou needst no scroll, thou giant soul! 

Thy record for all ages 
The Word shall hold, thy fame's enrolled 

Forever on its pages. 



40 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

Childhood's Wisdom. 

From the children we may learn 
Truths none can afford to spurn; 
Truths the elders cannot teach us 
Filled with wisdom which can reach us 
Only by the way of youth, 
Which alone reflects the truth. 
Manhood's knowledge soon outgrows 
Wisdom that as child he knows. 
Greed and graft and grind soon mold 
Mind of man as he grows old, 
Dwarfing insight youth had brought him, 
Fondling follies years have taught him, 
Blunting instincts youth holds rife — 
How to make the most of life. 
How to best use every chance 
That a changing circumstance 
May present. Age loses this 
Knowledge of embracing bliss — 
Of extracting the most wine 
From the fruit upon the vine 
In life's vineyard — yours and mine! 

Watch the children as they play 
Learn the wisdom of their way. 
Does the sun shine.'' See it pour 
On the heads about the door! 
See them revel in its light — 
Kind seeks kind, their souls are white! 
Unrestrained, the sun's caressing 
Leaves upon each brow a blessing. 
Health's foundation stones are laid 
While we elders seek the shade 
Thankful trees and vines were made; 
Wondering why the rain's delayed! 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 4I 

Does it rain! How soon their feet 
Find the puddles in the street. 
With the treasures they contain — 
Brawn of muscle, breadth of brain! 
How their little lives expand 
As they take from Nature's hand 
Her great gift of dampened sand! 
All this as the plague we shun — 
You and I and every one — 
Lest our boots should be destroyed, 
We're displeased, distressed, annoyed. 
But the child is overjoyed. 

Does it freeze? Yea plenteous now 
Grow the wrinkles on our brow. 
What if we should come to harm — 
Sprain a leg or break an arm.-" 
All our vapid wits congeal 
As the swirling snow-drifts reel 
Like gay dancers o'er the plain. 
Close we hug each ache and pain 
Grieving winter's come again! 
But the children.? How they glow 
At the falling of the snow! 
Gladness in their eyes bespeaks, 
Like the roses in their cheeks 
That these crystals are to them 
Winter's crowning diadem. 
Bringing, oh, no end of sport, 
Of the most hilarious sort — 
Men, and cannon-balls and fort! 
Then the virtue of the ice. 
They are first to recognize. 
Down the glistening hill they dash, 
Swift as meteors on they flash. 



42 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

Skis and sleds and even skates 
Dare the danger that awaits 
Him who tampers with the fates! 
Watching them our breath abates. 

See the debris of repair 
Piled in heaps, and everywhere 
Blocking up the walk and street? 
We must need make full retreat 
Then a detour on our way. 
Angered by this forced delay 
Through the rickety surrounding 
We in language most astounding 
Say some things we should not say. 
While we frown the children play 
"Teeter Totter" and are gay 
On the planks that block our way. 
"Making cities" in the clay 
Thrown from some damp cellar way; 
Loud they laugh at our dismay. 

Organ-grinders fill with din 
Long bright days we revel in; 
While they grind their discords near 
We in desperation sheer 
Place a hand upon each ear. 
Children follow in their wake 
Just for admiration sake. 
While they grind the children dance 
Glad to have so good a chance 
This gay furore to enhance. 
Keeping time with zest and main 
To the weird discordant strain 
That gives older heads a pain. 
When the festive feat is o'er 
In the monkey's cap they pour 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 43 

Pennies from their little store. 
Chances are 'tis all they had 
But the giving made them glad. 
We, with cold averted eye 
Much disgruntled, pass on by. 
Closing out the joys that enter 
Into hearts with no self-centre, 
Losing all the good we find 
In the act that's purely kind. 
Losing all the happiness 
Gained, relieving a distress. 
Gained by knowing how to give. 
Gained by living to let live. 

Watch the little child who knows 

He no longer may repose 

First in rank on mother's breast. 

This to him is not a jest. 

Crownless and dethroned is he. 

King of home no more to be. 

Crowded from his rights he shows 

That a little hero knows 

How to meet and greet his foes. 

'Tis with kisses not with blows 

He his recognition shows. 

Think it over, is it thus 

Rivalry is met by us.'' 

Have we love that will restrain 

Our own greed for others' gain.? 

Nay, time dwarfs the selflessness 

That the baby hearts possess. 

And like canker of the soul 

Self-devotion gains control. 

Watch the children as they play 
Learn the wisdom of their way. 



44 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

Learn from them, to choose as they 

Just the rose, the thorn let sta)^ 

Let US in what seemeth bad 

Find some reason to be glad. 

All our faculties employ 

In rejecting life's alloy. 

Gathering but the finer gold 

With which Heaven's paved we're told 

"Then, a little child shall lead" 

Oh, we elders let us heed — 

Let us at a baby's knee 

Learn life's great philosophy. 



Mary Ann. 

There is something in a name 

And I feel 'twas most to blame 

For the ups and downs and turns in my life's plan; 

It is commonplace and plain 

But a tragedy of pain 

Is conjured at the name of Mary Ann. 

Black as night her long hair streamed, 

Fair as dawn her forehead gleamed 

And her gray eyes flashed upon me in a smile. 

And as ermine robe might fall 

'Round her hung her well-worn shawl 

As she leaned her rounded wrist upon the stile. 

Thus she stood as first we met 

In the dusk. I see her yet 

When I close my eyes in reminiscent view. 

As she stood beside the stile 

With that bold yet timid smile 

That told me she would conquer or undo. 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 45 

Quick as thought a keen regret 

Pierced me even as we met, 

And I realized our lots were not the same: 

Why was I not Farmer Gay 

On the eighty o'er the way? 

Or better, why not she a high-born dame? 

But I bared my head the while 

That I helped her cross the stile 

And I noticed as I took her hand in mine, 

That the tapered finger's grace 

Showed an hauteur like the face 

Hinting strongly of an old ancestral line. 

Once again and still again 

Did we meet until 'twas plain 

That our leisure hours are Cupid's busiest time. 

Soon discretion whispered me 

I'd be lost unless I'd flee 

From his arrows jingling 'round me like a chime. 

I'd been taught to hold in scorn 

All who were plebeian born. 

But this teaching was reversed in Cupid's school. 

And within me burned a flame 

That aversion of her name 

Was not strong enough to smother or to cool. 

Still, the time had come when I 

Thought 'twas best to say good-bye 

And I met her in the twilight at the stile. 

But o'er Mary Ann's fair cheek 

Did a deadly pallor creep. 

Though she raised her eyes and met mine with a smile. 



46 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

Many months swept slow along 

But one cadence bore the song 

Of the ripples of life's current as they ran. 

In the voices of the breeze 

In the whispers of the trees 

I could hear the murmur, murmur "Mary Ann." 

Pallid cheek and smiling eye — 

Fragile things but oh, they lie 

With weight of iron fetters on my heart; 

They had warned me in their way 

That I'd surely rue the day 

That I willed that summer evening we should part. 

Like a wolf in hunger fierce 

Cupid's arrov/s seemed to pierce 

With pain like gnawing fangs fast fixed to kill. 

So abroad I traveled, where 

Change of scene and change of air 

I felt the inner craving soon must still. 

It was fickle France whose lees 

Stain the cup we drink to please. 

Lured me where the sunbeams beckoned with a smile. 

But the waves upon the way, 

O'er and o'er one name would say 

Till I crossed and crossed the meadow to the stile. 

Then a resolution came 

If this love were still the same 

When, returning I again should cross the brine. 

I'd ignore plebeian birth, 

And acknowledging her worth 

Would seek her out and ask her to be mine! 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 47 

Knowing all I had to do 

In the matter was to woo 

And I'd hear her answer come in glad reply. 

Knowing I'd be welcomed back 

Even though I'd shown a lack 

Of appreciating her in days gone by. 

Reaching Paris I soon whirled 

In that maelstrom where the world 

Gathers 'round its vortex eager to be caught. 

Seeking changes, one night I 

Joined a crowd that sauntered by 

Toward the opera where the singing was much sought. 

Numbers had been sung to four 

When a deafening uproar 

Rose to greet the prima donna as she gleamed 

In bright jewels and rare lace, 

With a figure and a face 

An angel might have envied her it seemed. 

Like a billow heaved my breast 

And my breathing came oppressed 

And my reason for the moment seemed at flight. 

Then her glad glance swept the crowd 

But I noticed ere she bowed 

That the roses on her cheek had turned to white. 

For our eyes that instant met 

Making her perchance forget 

Her aria, for the moment; then she bore 

To its full and finished height 

That fine figure and a sight 

As resplendent I had never seen before! 



48 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

Thus in poise, she stood to pause 

Through the deafening applause; 

Then her voice of range and sweetness rose and fell, 

And from dome to footlight filled 

Her rare tones that ever thrilled 

With a triumph that I understood too well. 

Slowly then the rose returned 

To her cheek and warmly burned 

With a glow that lent a glory to her eyes, 

As twice, thrice, and still once more 

Through a rapturous encore 

She watched the curtain slowly fall and rise. 

Through the last — a French love song 

She put all the pain that long 

Had lain burdening her bosom. But her eye 

Flashed its triumph into mine 

As she sang the final line: 

"Once I loved you, oh, I loved you but — good-bye!" 

It was over! Come and gone 

Was this vision but a wan 

Ghastly horror seemed to chill my heart to stone. 

For a mess of pottage stale 

I had made this losing sale 

And had lost the chance to e'er possess my own! 

Masquerading then was she 

In that peasant garb when free - 

From flattery grown fulsome she could rest. 

It was all now clear to me 

Who in blindness could not see 

A jewel in dull setting at its best! 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 49 

The Soul's Adieu. 

So, clinging clay, I leave thee now behind, 

Dull, drear and silent, senseless, cold and blind. 

Slave of my passions, servant of my will 

How changed art thou, how useless and how still. 

Poor dust and ashes! Thou who served alwa}'. 

Must feel me go and know that thou must stay 

Doomed to oblivion, darkness and decay! 

Thou who wert once so agile and so light. 

Swift to obey, alike, in wrong or right 

My every mandate — thou art now to me 

No longer menial of my tyranny. 

My tyranny.'' Nay not so harsh a word — 

My will was thine, nor hast thou e'er demurred 

My quest or mandate; but didst ever fill 

Thy unwrit compact to obey my will. 

And how I loved thee! Boon companions we 

In sport, in rampage and in revelry. 

Co-laborers, too; together worked and kept 

The lonely watch; together prayed and wept! 

Together strove, oh casket thou of me 

To reach the goal of blessed eternity; 

Through storms and sunshine, this we sought to win, 

In fields of labor, rife in weeds of sin. 

Here, looking backward o'er the lapse of years 

Freed from their turmoil, cares and joys and fears. 

How much we see that needs another touch 

To bind and strengthen; and again how much 

On which, alas, we lavished too much time. 

That counts us now as but the ocean's rime, 

We find in rings upon the sanded shore — 

Mere marks where bubbles zvere and nothing morel 

Ah, it were well if this, our day, soon set, 

Dragged to its couch no lingering regret. 



50 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

'Twere well if not one deed of love undone, 

Darkened the rays of yonder setting sun! 

But waiting here amid the garnered sheaves 

Of life's fair harvest many a question reaves 

The breast of peace: The talents held in trust — 

Show they an increased value, or the rust 

Of secret burial in devouring dust? 

The task that we were set that must be done 

By us alone; say, hath the doing won 

The Master's longed-for judgment of "Well done?" 

We know God's justice winnows from the grain 

The chaff and cockle. Oh, but it were vain 

To count upon our virtue for the test! — 

We can but trust His mercy for the best. 

We can but hope the Master's love outweighs 

The many lapses that have marred our days. 

That we who tried though failed to do His will 

Some little niche in His great love may fill — 

Some place within His house awaits us still! 

Now, all alone must I go out to hear 

The Master's judgment. Thou upon thy bier 

Shalt sleep and rest. But stay, before I go 

Take thou this pledge to cheer thee here below. 

That in thy loneliness, thy solitude 

Hope's ray of light may welcomely intrude: 

I'll come again — hath faith not told thee so? 

And claim thee back, and thou and I shalt know 

Another life and no more death and woe. 

Still dost thou grieve and in thy grieving wail 

That thou art but of clay, earth-like and oh, so frail! 

Cans't thou forget that clay it was, sufficed 

To hold awhile the Jewel-Soul of Christ? 

And, as did he, returning wake from sleep 

That silent Form no more to wait and weep, 

Shall I one day reclaim thy sleeping dust. 

And until then, adieu, be patient, trust! 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 51 

Baby's Faith. 

It was Christmastide and the world outside 

Was a waste of wintry snow; 
But the homes were bright with that happy Hght 

That cornes with the Christmas glow. 
There's a graciousness and a will to bless 

In even the passing breeze* 
It is children's day and all go their way — 

For heaven is filled with these. 

There were babies three 'neaththe Christmas tree 

In one happy home that day. 
They were full of joy at each new-found toy 

That Santa had brought their way. 
The ivy vine o'er the archway twined 

Where a bird swung to and fro. 
And the holly red like a radiance spread 

Through the white of the mistletoe. 

Through the snowy sheets that wrapped the streets 

One baby went out alone. 
He had left the rest on a silent quest 

And his mission was unknown. 
For the elders long to the church had gone 

And the time was late, but he 
Through the doorway came, his heart aflame. 

Assured as a babe can be. 

And adown the aisle as the priest the while 

Made pause in his sermon grave 
Came the rapid beat of his little feet, 

That echoed from choir to nave. 



52 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

There were covert smiles down the echoing aisles 

As determinedly he stept, 
With a steady stroke that rudely awoke 

The listeners who slept. 

And they roused to see that a tale told he, 

Though only the mother knew 
What the baby said as he leaned his head 

On her breast in the family pew. 
For the red lips said, as she bowed her head, 

"I want to see Jesus, so 
I runned awa}'^ from the rest today 

And I didn't mind the snow!" 

Oh, little one as the years run on 

With their sands of soil and grime; 
Will they sully and shift and cast adrift 

This faith of your baby time.? 
Will the doubts creep in.-* Will the future's din 

Deaden the soul's sweet sound, 
Till the songs all hush in a worldly rush 

As the bustling years go 'round? 

Nay God forbid! Hath the life that's hid 

In the corn-blade aught to fear 
For the future's strain— for the weight of grain 

As fruition days draw near? 
Doth not added strength to the added length 

Of the long life-days respond? 
It is thus the soul with increased control 

Remains master and not bond! 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 53 

Where is Paradise? 

"Where is Paradise located?" 

Query scientists and seers. 
"Where's the gateway locked and grated 

Lo, these many thousand years?" 
Some say midst the Himalayas, 

Some say on the isle Ceylon, 
Even Faith admits the way is 

And must be, still the unknown. 

Oh, that Paradise of pleasure 

Of which saint and sinner dream — 
That elusive land of treasure — 

Where oh, where! Aye that's the theme! 
Snow lay on the grass and sedges 

Swept in circles o'er the weir. 
Hid the herbage on the ledges 

Lay in sheets on moor and mere. 

O'er a pathway, winding, hilly 

Passed a lover on his way. 
While the winds blew wild and chilly 

O'er the waste of wold that day. 
Swift his step as onward leading 

Sped his thought to brighter things. 
Beckoning to greater speeding — 

Cupid is equipped with wings! 

From his sweetheart's side, he outward 

Calmly viewed the snow-wrapped lea. 
"This is desolate," she pouted; 

"This is Paradise," said he. 
Soon abroad in search of culture 

Went she forth, so frail and fair. 
Love, at times a very vulture. 

Seized her heart and kept it there. 



^4 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

Kept it there as hostage, knowing 

It insured her swift return. 
But a ring he gave whose glowing 

Lit her hand at every turn. 
Time passed on, the snow-drifts melted 

From the pathway o'er the hills; 
Where the winter storm-shafts pelted 

Now the skylark soars and trills. 

Then there came another meeting 

In a land of rose-robed bowers; 
They exchanged a formal greeting 

Mid the freedom of the flowers. 
Flashed the jewel on her finger 

Straight to him its message dire! — 
Closed was Eden. He might linger 

No more near this sword of fire. 

Happy-eyed, she looked about her 

Happy-hearted girl was she. 
"This is Paradise," she flouted 

''This is desolate," said he. 
" 'Desolate.''' Absurd," she echoed 

"Desolate amid this glow.?" 
But his mind traced out a pathv/ay 

Leading through the drifting snow! 

Thus, in contradictory statement 

Each described the self-same site. 
Making not the least abatement 

Of this question; so the right 
To locate it we've attempted 

Without compass, chain or chart: 
It is where Hope has pre-empted 

All the love-realm of the heart! 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 55 

My First Born Son. 

Into my life thou came, 

A beam of light 

Glowing with undimmed flame 

Ever more bright, 

As years passed on, and now — 

God-given thou — 

Art still a joy 

To me, my boy! 

Five and twenty years, my son 

Thou didst me bless. 

And in that time gave me not one 

Hour of distress. 

God guided thee, my own. 

And thus thou'st known 

How, by His grace 

To fill thy place. 

Would, that the same Great Power 

May thee protect, 

And bless thy every hour 

Lest thou be wrecked 

Upon the shoals of wrong! 

This be my song 

Of prayer for thee: "May'st thou e'er be 

Strong in fulfilling God's great plan 

And close thy life, a perfect man!" 



56 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

May's Mourning. 

Bending o'er another's dead 
None did note the tears May shed. 
May, whose heart to him was wed. 

Mourners came. May stepped aside 
Giving place to one, his bride, 
Who took no pains her grief to hide. 

Loud the bride lamented there, 
Sobs and wails disturbed the air. 
May was silent, wrapped in prayer. 

May had not the right to kiss 
That still forehead but amiss 
Watched these other lips do this. 

Once again these women met. 
Time had taught one to forget. 
But the other grieved on yet. 

May could note the bride's white hand 
Wore anew love's golden band. 
• Grief had traced its lines in sand. 

Gay she laughed and light she stepped. 
Slowly from her side May crept, 
Thinking of her dead May wept. 

May's heart's requiem had been said 

Moon's ago, above the bed 

Where they laid this precious dead. 

Thus it is though sable dress, 
Oft portrays the heart's distress, 
Grief without it's none the less. 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA S7 

Christ and the Little Children. 

In the soft Judean twilight 

Did a Jewish mother kneel, 

With her arms about her children, 

Making earnest her appeal 

To the wearied heart of Jesus^- 

That a moment would he lay 

But his sacred hands upon them, 

That they might bear away 

In their little hearts his blessing 

To be with them through life's day. 

Others caught the earnest pleading 
And came crowding to his knee. 
Others still, and others followed 
With the same sweet mother plea. 
Till upon the tired faces 
Of his followers, the wrath 
Gathered, as the children crowded 
With the zeal that childhood hath. 

And they thrust them back and whispered 
"Trouble not the Master so 
He is weary with his teaching — 
Back! Ye may not further go!" 
Quick the brow of Jesus raising 
From an infants close embrace 
Showed the shadow of displeasure 
Darkening o'er his weary face. 

Then his arms extending said he: — 
(And his soothing accents fell 
On each mother-heart with rapture 
Such as who of us can tell,) 



58 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

"Ye forbid not little children 
Suffer them to come to me; 
For of such is Heaven's Kingdom!" 
Hush! the breeze bore to the sea 
And the sea-voice bore them onward 
Those sweet words, and onv/ard, till, 
Down the current of the ages 
They are echoing, echoing still! 
Till our bosoms beat in concord 
With the Master's mandate; yes, 
And we long to bring our children 
For the grace of his caress! 

Though we know Judea's twilight 
Bathes no more his beauteous brow. 
That his sandalled feet leave traces 
Of his journeyings never now. 
That his arms stong and caressing 
Fold no infant to his breast. 
That the Master worn and weary 
Long oh, long has gone to rest. 

That we'd hope in vain to gather 
With our children at his feet — 
Listen! Where then is that promise: 
"When two or more do meet 
In my name to pray, there am i 
In the midst!" This promise must 
Bind the broken bond of union 
Weld the parted links of trust! 

Let us gather with our children 
Both at eve and early morn. 
Till their timid tottering footsteps 
To Christ's feet a path have worn. 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 59 

Webs of sin and sorrow woven 
In the deepest of life's shade, 
Later, never can deceive them 
As to where that path is laid. 

Let us take them e'er the splendor 

Of the zenith of their day 

Wastes their freshness and they harden 

As the heat doth harden clay. 

Let us pray each growing spirit 

May receive the Master's seal 

For as compass to the pilot 

And as rudder to the keel, 

Will it guide them past the shallow 

Past the mist and rock and shoal 

To the haven of Christ's Kingdom — 

To harbor of the soul! 



The Wanderer's Return. 

My fiftieth year! This is strange and drear! 

And am I a bachelor.-* Ho! 
This is the day that they used to say 

Was my birthday long ago! 
It is thirty years since mother's tears 

Like dew dampened brow and cheek; 
For I meant to roam when I left my home — 

In what — a first lovesick freak? 

The lovesick freak of a boy; to speak 
The truth 'twas no more than this; 

But love to me then as to older men 

Was a dream and the dream was bliss! 



60 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

And since that time full many a clime 

Has lavished its cold and heat 
Upon my brow; but here I'm now 

Returned where the old ways meet. 

Full many a sight of wrong or right 

My pathway athwart has lain; 
As far and near like a wounded deer 

I wandered to still my pain. 
Swift scenes afar like the shooting star 

Loom out from a shadowed dome. 
They flash from the night that I took my flight 

And my feet first learned to roam. 

Out by the sea so deep, so free 

With its shores of rock and sand, 
I stood alone while the full moon shone 

On the sleeping sea and land. 
On the mountain gray as you looked that way 

You could see every crag and tree. 
And looking down 3fou could see the town 

If you stood on the rock near me. 

Far over the hill past the whirling mill 

Odd-fashioned, in rude gray stone, 
Stood a mansion bright and a glow of light 

From basement to turret shone. 
This scene of all at my memory's call 

I summon as clear, at will, 
As if under the bloom in a crowded room 

I knew a bride waited still. 

What was it I held as the wide waves swelled 
At the base of my rocky stand.-* 

A portrait fair and a lock of hair 

And a glove for a woman's hand. 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 6l 

I remember yet I cannot forget 

That I fancied the breezes sighed; 

But they fanned the fire of fierce desire 
To claim for my own the bride! 

I looked askance with an angry glance 

At the home where soon would he 
By the power of gold, gain the priceless hold 

Of the hand love promised me. 
Out in the night 'neath the moonbeams bright, 

My pride and my passion strove 
For the higher place, as I turned my face 

Toward the mansion in the grove. 

As I entered there did the perfumed air 

Waft to her, perchance my sighs? 
For across the room from beneath the bloom 

Came a glance from the bride's bright eyes. 
And I saw the place that the groom should grace 

Was vacant — how dared he be 
From her side apart when he knew my heart 

And the love that Maud gave me.-" 

I was at her side and as passion's tide 

Surged wildly through heart and brain, 
I clasped her hand and her cheek I fanned 

With a kiss too pure to stain. 
The blushes came with the rush of flame. 

Her cheeks like the roses glowed; 
As she looked at me a friend said ''Flee 

For you both know the mountain road.'' 

And he whispered fast as we hurried past 

''Make haste and P II meet you where 
My bays are hitched near the oaken bridge 
They are yours to speed or spare!'' 



62 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

Then came the sound of the baying hound 

That told with his ugly blake 
That the bell of bloom in the crowded room 

Still swung but no bride was there! 

Then came the beat of their metalled feet 

As on, without whip or goad 
Sped the plunging bays while the foam in sprays 

Lay white on the mountain road! 
Then rang my song as we dashed along — 

Rang back in its echoing glee 
My joy and pride that the lovely bride 

Of my rival had fled with me! 

Brief triumph mine! 'Twas the meteor's line 

Traced out on a blackened sky — 
'Twas the willo'wisp of a treacherous mist, — 

'Twas a life hope born to die! 
For upon my breast while the fever wrest 

That precious life from me 
I held her close in her last repose 

While the tide ebbed out to sea. 

My fiftieth year! How old, how queer! 

And am I a bachelor? No; 
For at my side stood my fair frail bride 

This night thirty years ago! 
They who know not this often ask amiss 

Why I wed not as other men; 
But a beautiful face in a golden case 

Looks at me as Maud looked then. 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 63 

Life Knows But One May. 

Way back in the springtime 

The boughs bud anew 
And bend in the breezes 

O'er paths, that we knew, 
And we breathe in the fragrance 

And brush off the dew 
From the brightest of blossoms, 

Not rare but so new. 

We Hve in that springtime 

That never grows old 
Or loses its freshness 

As time hurries by; 
Where the sunbeams at play 

Make it seem always May 
And the breath of its breeze 

Never sounds like a sigh. 

The woods of life's springtime 

Are now corn-filled fields. 
The playground is plowed 

And to husbandry yields 
Its harvest of plenty. 

The moss-covered glade 
Now cleared to the sunlight 

Gives fruit and not shade. 

But ruthlessly sweeping 

Like cobwebs away, 
These vaunted improvements, 

We're back there at play, 



64 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

Where the flowers spring bright 
From the dews of the night, 

And we kneel and caress them 
And beg them to stay. 

For a freshness, a newness, 

A something is gone 
PYom the forests and glades 

And the pathways of now: 
■ The breezes are stale 

And the blossoms are pale 
And the atmosphere's faded 

One scarce can tell how! 

Life holds but one springtime; 

Life knows but one May, 
And these claim our thoughts 

And they call us away 
Where the fields turn to woodlands 

And streams long since dried 
Flow on through coarse grasses 

And rushes and hide, 

In the dank hollow reed-bed. 

Oh, atmosphere, where 
Can be found the rare balm 

That we breathed in back there? 
Way back in the Maytime 

The gaytime the playtime, 
Way back where the daytime 

Was cloudless and fair! 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 65 

Maggie Lee. 

The summer sun sinks slowly down 

On couch of crimson glow. 
And far off from the uplands brown 

The lagging kine move slow. 
Clouds circling in the hazy air 

Are all of roseate tinge; 
And rose-hued are the hillsides where 

The bluebells used to fringe. 

This scene, a reminiscent strain 

Of incident has brought; 
And woke afresh a tangled train 

Of long forbidden thought. 
Thus 'neath the roof where boyhood's days 

Had flitted undisturbed, 
And where youth's yearnings set a pace 

A later judgment curbed; 

I feel the tug upon the reins, 

The reckless fire, the glow, 
An old race-horse throughout his veins 

Feels at the magic "Go!" 
Nor cooled my fervor to recall 

A note just handed me. 
That asked me to the Blanchard ball — 

He married Maggie Lee. 

From forty years time turns me back; 

He leaves me twent3^-three. 
And I'm a humble village quack 

And she is Maggie Lee. 
I feel my pulses thrill anew, 

I see her soft cheek glow; 
Her lashes droop as if with dew — 

Her heart is mine I know. 



66 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

I press the fingers held by me, 

I laugh each frown away. 
Why should I not when Maggie Lee 

Will soon be Maggie Gray? 
Will soon be Maggie Gray? How soon? 

We neither thought or cared 
We only knew life held no boon 

Save what the other shared. 

Each seemed to each of life a part — 

One shuttle of its loom 
Wove side by side with rapid dart 

Its threads of light and gloom. 
But still, alas, we failed to brook 

The jealous tempter's smart; 
Nor could we quarrel, we simply took 

Two ways that led apart. 

And her way led among the stiles 

And village paths we'd known. 
She kept the early friends whose smiles 

Or frowns she'd always known. 
But my way led where paths were steep 

O'er distance wild and vast 
O'er rivers on whose troubled deep 

Were mountain shadows cast. 

Time dragged as time drags to the young 

Whose glass holds lagging sand. 
With flowers on the waters flung 

Youth longs to see them land. 
When strangers' glances everywhere 

Seem colder than the sleet, 
You hasten from the icy stare 

To your own small retreat. 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 67 

Thus, engrossed in a printed sheet 

Cosmopolite in news, 
I'd brought in from the crowded street. 

By lampHght to peruse; 
One paragraph so small and bland 

No other eye would see. 
Read: "Married, William Blanchard and" 

I read right? "Margaret Lee." 

Then life grew narrow for awhile; 

Horizons dwarfed to meet 
My shrinking self. In 3^outh a mile 

Soon narrows down to feet. 
To look beyond these narrow planes 

One need the lens of years. 
For finding trouble trust the swains — 

For mastering it, the seers! 

I hoped no more, I planned no more; 

But, rusting in the lock, 
The key to open fortune's door 

Lay waiting for a shock. 
It came: A call from out the dark— 

"A doctor! Help! He's gone!" 
Roused into flame a smouldering spark; 

I answered "Here is one!" 

And instinct, pliant in its power 

Bent to the enforced task. 
I was a hero. From that hour 

I dropped my senseless mask. 
And entered the familiar field 

My loved profession chose. 
To all the past my heart grew steeled; 

The future's breadth arose. 



68 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

Life's sun had climbed. 'Twas now midday. 

Its splendor round me gleamed. 
My eyes were still kept turned away 

From sunrise where I'd dreamed. 
Then I grew restless for the paeans 

That sang of joy to me 
Called to me from the early scenes 

Of life and Maggie Lee. 

I would return — oh not because 

I longed once more to see 
The woman who by civic laws 

Was Blanchard's wife. To me 
'Twas just to prove to my own heart — 

Which still seemed questioning fate — 
The love whose loss made youth to smart 

Would not suit man's estate! 

Friends by your clothes judge your success. 

I dressed with utmost care 
For this grand ball; I would impress 

The old friends I'd find there 
With one small fact. I'd prospered since 

Those years agone when I 
Had left them all, though I did wince 

Alas, they all knew why! 

'Twas very late. Receivers long 

Had left their row I knew. 
I'd done this little social wrong 

Through cowardice 'tis true ; 
To save the shock of seeing her 

Receive at Blanchard's side. 
The thought of this had set astir 

A dead and buried pride. 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 69 

I Stood well back but soon was hailed 

And hurried from my stand. 
In the confusion I had failed 

To touch the hostess' hand. 
Across the brilliant room she stood 

Unchanged, undimmed it seemed, 
And like a strong resistless flood 

Rushed back the dreams I'd dreamed! 

I sought her side and saw a blush 

Arise as I drew near. 
Her voice seemed like the singing thrush 

But trembled. Was it fear.? 
I asked her for the coming dance. 

The music was sublime. 
And swept aside as if by chance 

The gossamer of time. 

The rhythm was hghtsome as the day. 

The strains were youth, were free — 
And I was humble Tommy Gray 

And she was Maggie Lee! 
The pulses in her fingers filled 

My heart with old-time joy. 
And every call of conscience stilled — 

I was again a boy! 

The rapture of the heart love-mad, 

That bursts all bounds and flings 
Remonstrance to the wind and bade 

Defiance to all things, 
Was on me now! I would enjoy 

The bliss, 'twould not be long, 
That would be mine could I decoy 

From her one old-time song. 



70 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

I'd hear another man's wife sing 

A song she sang to me 
When she was mine, all save the ring 

And simple ceremony. 
Oh, human passion, what is worse? 

What cared I while it burned 
If I should risk my life and hers. 

Be hated, shunned and spurned! 

I'd grasp the beaker and would sip 

Its contents foam or rime, 
When dash it from my thirsty lip 

To atoms for all time! 
She looked so calm I wondered if 

She shared a httle part 
Of all my soul was struggling with — 

The tempest of the heart! 

We reached at last the music room 

And entered she and I. 
'Twas fragrant with a faint perfume 

Like shores that one drifts by. 
Say, was it honor made me shrink 

From asking for that song? 
As this man's guest how could I think 

To lead his wife toward wrong? 

Full master of myself I weighed 

With scorn my lost control. 
How dared I plan to cast a shade 

On this fair woman's soul? 
"Your husband — Blanchard — will he be 

Awaiting you by now?" 
A look all blank she turned to me 

A pallor on her brow. 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 7l 

"My husband?" Every word did burn — 

"Why Tom, I never wed, 
I always knew that you'd return 

Again to me" she said. 
And hke a flash from off a wire 

That traversed land and sea! 
"He married" came the words of fire 

"My cousin Margaret Lee." 



What Is, Is Best. 

I dare not look ahead 
Nor glance from side to side — 
The path I long to tread 
From duty doth divide. 

Bright, broad and well-defined 
Life's roadway lies and I 
Walk as it is outlined 
And smile to hide the sigh. 

The years like meteors shed 
Their light along my track 
As quickly by they sped 
And vanished into black. 

My heart! How full the bloom — 
The roseate bloom that seems 
To fall about this tomb, 
That holds but buried dreams. 

And still doth reason smile 
And point to what seems rest 
And whisper "All this while 
You've known 'What is, is best!'" 



72 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

Baby's Song. 

Written for Clement, aged four. 

A little Tom-tit sat alone on a limb 

And sang a sweet song always sung well by him. 

He sang every day looking always my way 
And I knew every word he was trying to say. 

I knew when he begged for his breakfast for he 
Was as bold in his speech as a birdie could be. 

So I picked up a crumb and placed on my thumb 
And said "Little Tommy-tit won't you have some.''" 

He flew to my shoulder and peeped in my ear 
So loud and so strong that I scarcely could hear 

His little mate call from her perch in the tree; 
"Ho, Tommy, dear Tommy you're making too free! 

"I see in the distance a boy and a gun. 

And maybe they'll make a sad end of your fun 

"Regards to your friend, dear, but hurry and say 
You really haven't a moment to stay. 

"Say good-bye, oh, good-bye, but try when you come 
To bring up the crumb from the end of his thumb." 

So Tommy flew back to his mate in the tree 
And took her the crumb he had taken from me. 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 73 



Kathleen. 



I stroll through the city, my Kathleen, 
Way out where the pass-ways are clear, 
Way down where the bold waves are battling 
The great sturdy piles of the pier. 
It seems I can think of you better 
When hearing no sound but the sea; 
And I take from my bosom your letter 
With none but the star-eyes to see. 

And here, where the pier lamps are swinging 
Their flickering lights o'er the wave; 
I read o'er your letter that's bringing 
Your messages bracing and brave. 
I read, and away out to seaward 
My thoughts flash out over the foam 
Like the sweep of the wing of the sea-bird 
And find you, my Kathleen at home. 

I stand at 3''our side, as you're smiling 

And stifling the sting in your heart, 

While 3'^ou write these gay words so beguiling 

And wince at the teardrops that start. 

But, Kathleen, as over these pages 

I read and re-read every line. 

These waves that have flowed on for ages 

Never knew heart as lonely as mine! 

Tonight these same waters are bubbling 

Close up to my own Kathleen's door. 

They are strewing the seaweeds and troubling 

And shifting the sands on the shore. 

Oh, waves! Can you hear in your breath e'en 

One word from my lips o'er the sea.'' 

If you can, tell not kindred or Kathleen 

One word of the grief I tell thee. 



74 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

I'll put this grief past me and picture 

A snug little home all our own 

With our cup full of joy and the mixture 

Of absence and waiting unknown. 

Oh, Kathleen, my idol, I'm working 

With wages paid weekly in gold; 

You know that I would not be shirking 

Hard labor, or shunning the cold 

When I know every dollar I settle 

Is bringing you nearer to me, 

Until with this masterful metal 

I'll span our divider — the sea! 

And you, safely over the water 

Will come with light heart to the shore. 

Love will lose all the terror that fraught her 

For poverty'll part us no more. 

I am standing again with a letter, 
Alone, on the billow-bathed pier. 
And I pace to and fro while I scatter 
To the winds all foreboding and fear. 
She's coming! I'm told in this message 
She starts on her way here tonight. 
The light of the stars seems to presage 
A journey propitious and bright. 

Oh, Thou, who saidst "Peace," and commotion 

Sank back at Thy word into rest, 

I pray whisper "Peace" to the ocean — 

Tonight Kathleen sleeps on its breast! 

Wild waves, as you're tossing and breaking 

And foaming and fretting to shore. 

Do you know what a treasure you're taking 

Away from the poor cabin door.'' 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 75 

Do you gaess at the hopes you are heaving 

And tossing about on your breast? 

Do you grieve with the anguish you're leaving 

On the shore as you ebb out to rest? 

Do you weep with the eyes that are gazing 

And straining to see through their tears 

The ship bearing off through the hazing 

The jewel they've treasured for years? 

Time tarries. Since dawn I have waited 

And scanned the broad ocean until 

My eyes with its glory is sated — 

My heart with its grandeur grown chill. 

That speck in the distance? "The steamer!" 

They shout like the voice of a gale. 

And prepare each with banner or streamer 

To salute the dear ones at her rail. 

On, on, with her banners uplifting 

With spars gleaming clear as a dome, 

She comes, while her bows send a drifting 

The billows, in furrows of foam. 

And now, with her staunch timbers grazing 

The quivering wharf, I but stand 

With eyes on her crowded decks, gazing 

At passengers ready to land. 

I was first on the ship and the missing" 

I searched for, through cabins in vain. 

With a chill at my heart and a whizzing 

Of wild, wasting fear through my brain. 

My breath passed my lips and it chilled them. 

My voice stifled back and was dumb. 

My wits seemed to wander, fear filled them 

And crushed them with thoughts that benumb. 



^6 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

The breeze bathed my brow as if soothing 

The reason just ready to flee 

As memory recalled with a loathing 

The sight of a burial at sea! 

Oh, Kathleen, my fast-fading day-dream! 

Fair Kathleen! The waves sweep away 

And bear on their waters the sunbeam 

Of hope that long brightened my day! 

The ship lies so calm at her moorings 

Her wake lies so still on the sea. 

So are anchored life's hopes and allurings 

So floats away love's dream from me. 

And I thought: "Oh, my heart if I've lost her 

My trials I'll bear on alone. 

For to brighten my life was what cost her 

The beautiful light of her own." 

My heart-strings were strained to the snapping— 

The darkness seemed sinking all round, 

And closing me in. It seemed wrapping, 

The sea and the air and the ground! 

Ho, courage, at last you have failed me 

That here without reason I stand.? 

Hark! whose was that rich voice that hailed me- 

Whose fingers are clasping my hand.'' 

Wait, heart, do not break in your rapture. 
Wait, lips, do not rave in delight. 
Yet I feared to look round lest I capture 
Some being not hers but some sprite 
From a land that is far-famed in story 
Whose natives are not of our mold; 
But I turned and met Kathleen, my glory, 
With her tresses of shimmering gold! 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA ^^ 



Elsie. 



I have thought and still am thinking 

Of the cares our lives attend, 

And have wondered "What the profit 

They will bring us in the end?" 

And have thought and still am thinking 

Much of this is useless strain — 

That in harvesting, the chaff is 

Gathered in instead of grain. 

And I fancy when the end comes 
We will find, both you and I 
That in searching dross for treasure 
Many a golden hour slipped by. 
Years ago our bright-eyed Elsie 
Passed out through our cottage door. 
Looking backward, throwing kisses 
With the hand a new ring wore. 

On her lashes, tear-drops glistening 
Dimmed the glory of her eyes. 
They were blue with depths of purple 
That we find in midnight skies. 
Looking backward, throwing kisses 
As the coach wound round the hill. 
When it turned the copse of cedar 
She was looking backward still. 

First came every week a letter 
Telling of the life she led; 
Sights she saw — but all the pages 
Bore the trace of tears she shed. 
Time, like oil on troubled waters 
Surge on surge, our grief did quell. 
Time, too, as the surest healer 
Soothed poor Elsie's heart as well. 



78 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

And so well he'd soothed her yearning 
And so well weaned love awa}^ 
That for letter, word or visit 
We could wait full many a day. 
But she'd now gone far to westward 
So her visits must be few. 
She had four dear little children 
That engrossed her time we knew. 

Mother said that it was natural 
To forget the ones at home. 
Every birdling loves its own nest, 
Better than the one it's flown. 
But the letters filled with doings 
That defied the books for names — 
Balls, soirees, teas and receptions 
Levees, matinees and games! 

Fetes, fairs, clubs, parties, revels — 

Till you'd weary of the list. 

Such an effervesce of pleasure 

As to rob joy of its gist. 

There were duties, very grave ones. 

Interspersed between these whirls 

Which, though natural seemed incongruous 

As the oyster decked in pearls. 

Filled so full was every letter 
With her routine's crushing grind 
That between the lines with searching 
Not a tender thought we'd find. 
Unexpected came a letter — 
'Twas a short but welcome note, 
'Twas the first for nearly twelvemonth 
Our forgetful Elsie wrote. 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 79 

" When yoii hear the partridge thruimning 

Through the forest and the glen; 

When the thrush and lark are singing 

Til be luith you, mother, then!" 

Thus the message ran and mother 

Read the wording o'er and o'er 

Till in fancy Elsie's children 

One by one trooped through the door. 

Then the snow slid down the river 

With a gurgle like a song. 

And the dead reeds through the marshes 

Seemed to whisper all day long: 

"When you hear the partridge thrumming 

Through the forest and the glen, 

When the thrush and lark are singing 

I'll be with you, mother, then!" 

Down the hillside swept the slushes. 
Buds bedecked the bending boughs. 
Lighter green hung on the cedars 
And the reeds rose from the sloughs. 
From the forest shade the thrumming 
Of the partridge could be heard; 
And the thrush and lark were singing 
Elsie's letter word for word. 

But she came not. Still its thrumming 
Called the mate or cheered the young 
Of the partridge in the woodland. 
And the lark long soared and sung. 
"Let the tulips stand" said mother 
"For she'll come when best they blow." 
So we let them stand, nor plucked them 
Though their leaves dropped limp and low. 



80 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

In their waiting. "Well," said mother 
When the roses bloom she'll come." 
So we never plucked a blossom 
That the children might have some. 
And the roses bloomed and faded 
On their dainty stems unsought. 
And like hopes that mother nurtured 
All their blooming came to naught. 

"Let the cherry-tree she planted 
Stand untouched, perhaps she'll be 
With us yet the fruit to gather 
As she used to in girlish glee; 
Let it stand." The cherries ripened, 
Birds flew through the laden boughs. 
Bearing off the fruit that waited— 
What cared they for broken vows.-* 

Where the fruit had grovv^n, the snowflakes 
Trembled on each bough instead. 
Through the window mother watched them 
With her quiet thoughts unsaid. 
As she backward swa3^ed and forward, 
Just a motion nothing more, 
I could see the past was rising 
And she lived the old time o'er. 

Unredeemed, is still the promise 
Made and then so soon forgot. 
Mother, silent in reproaches 
Holds the instance as if naught. 
But to me, who watched her flushes 
Turn to pallor in her pain, 
Comes the question: "Why did Elsie 
Let her watch and wait in vain?" 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 8 1 

Still I question: "Couldn't Elsie 

From her rushed routine just spare 

One short week to cheer this hearth-stone 

And the old heart over there?" 

Years have passed. Beneath the grasses 

Fingers folded, placid brow; 

Elsie's sleeping. And I question 

''''What is time to Elsie now?" 

What has profited this struggle 

To be first in social race? 

What the trophies that are carried 

Up Beyond, from such a chase? 

Will the weight thrown in the balance 

Where the Book says we'll be weighed, 

Pay, for carrying such a burden 

As has social custom laid? 

Thus, within my mind I question — 
But to mother (and 'tis best) 
Elsie's foibles all have vanished, 
All passed on and out to rest. 
While the loved and loving daughter 
Still with tender, tear-lashed eyes 
Glances backward, ever backward 
Throwing kisses from the skies. 



82 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

The Babe That Died. 

My hands are idle — let them fold 

These fingers now at rest, 
My arms are empty — let them hold 

This cold cheek to my breast. 
And let me press these silent lips, 

So pale and oh, so sweet; 
Life's pathway stretches up the cliffs 

Scarce touched by these small feet. 

Life's rugged pathway winding far 

Through thorns and shades and sin; 
Might lead my little treasure where 

I ne'er might follow him. 
And I might stretch my empty arms 

In mute and vain appeal, 
To call him back from love that harms 

And joys that bring no weal. 

My love, my pearl, my diadem, 

His joy my grief suffice. 
I hold the casket but the gem 

Adorns the crown of Christ. 
My heart throbs hard with mother grief, 

My lips are still with pain. 
I weep, but faith brings this relief — 

r II find my boy again. 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 83 

The Intruder. 

(With apologies to Burns.) 

I bowed m}' head in silent prayer 

And wrapt in thought long kept it there; 

But raised my eyes at last and met 

A countenance I cannot forget. 

Before me in a cushioned pew 

The sweetest girl I ever knew 

Was posing; conscious she too well, 

She was a beaut}-^ and a belle. 

And on her shoulder face to me 

A bed-bug, calm as bug can be 

Was posing too; his countenance 'twas 

That brought my prayers unto a pause. 

His strange and startled stare was bent 
In wild and wandering wonderment, 
Upon the arches lifting high 
Their gilded grandeur toward the sky. 
But soon his eye accustomed grew 
To these strange sights and in his new 
Position seemed to feel at home 
As though such places long he'd known. 
He turned, and, as it seemed to me 
His one hand rested on his knee. 
Squaring his little elbow out 
Like unto other males about. 
And nonchalantly like them all 
Studied the frescoes on the wall. 
Indifference of superior kind 
Marking the working of his mind. 



84 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

The sudden gleam of many lights 

His inexp)erienced eye affrights 

And with a hurried backward look 

He to his nimble pedals took. 

And high and low and far and wide 

Sought where a frightened bug might hide. 

And rampant to a last degree 

Heedless of all propriety 

He scampered up and scuttled down 

The back seam of that dainty gown, 

And o'er that "perfect dream" of skill 

He cut his bed-bug antics till 

A canopy of shelter spread 

At last its shelter o'er his head. 

And underneath the "latest" sleeve 

He crept, a sigh of thanks to heave. 

Now, bed-bug, though you found your ease 

You made me anxious if you please 

And much disturbed my peace of mind 

Relating to the folks behind. 

I seemed to feel adov/n my back 

The light but terrible tictac 

Of your small tread. Nor could believe 

You'd stay beneath that pretty sleeve. 

I wondered if some people saw 

As great if not a greater flaw 

In my own make-up. Though if you 

Were skulking in around my pew 

I'd scorn to own remotest kith, 

Or knowledge of or friendship with 

Your bugship; so I thus conclude 

You did your company intrude 

Upon that dainty lady who 

Did occupy the seat with you. 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 85 

You came, no doubt, not from her home, 

But like a little tramp did roam 

And in a crowded car caught on 

Her gown less than an hour agone! 

Would she may lift that sleeve herself 

And catch you — you disgraceful elf! 

For thus right early she may learn 

We have no power to discern 

The right or wrong before our eyes, 

And lose all right to criticise. 

That judgment from a finite view 

Cannot be rendered just and true. 

'Twill teach the lesson that she must 

Put Httle faith and Httle trust 

In outward semblances, and see 

With what ease wrong clings wrongfully. 



Resignation. 

My children.? Oh, I offered them to Him. 
Long, long ago when life and they were dim 

Futurity. 
And shall I stand beside their graves and weep 
Knowing so well their rest is but a sleep 

Full of security.? 

These little mounds whose altitude scarce shows 
Above the grasses, cast a shade that throws 

Its length o'er distance dim. 
But oft I think as day and darkness meet 
How free from snare are now these little feet — 

They walk with Him. 



86 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

The Whip-Poor- Will 

Whip-poor-will! Ho! Whip-poor-will! 

Has your happy voice grown still? 
Or has the march of progress sped your flight, 

To far forests in whose deep 

You're secure e'en while you sleep? 
Oh, birdie, answer backward through the night! 

In the doorway oft I've stood 

Gazing toward the darkening wood, 
Listening to the frogs a-singing down the slough. 

Hearkening to the gentle whir 

Of the leaflets all astir — 
When I close my eyes I seem to hear them now. 

As the night-shades settled round 

Always came with them a sound, 
Fresh and thrilling like the whistle of the flute. 

Very high and very low 

Very swift and very slow 
Very clear and strong and very resolute. 

Swift and sudden came its ring 
Through those twilights in the spring, 

Falling on one's trembling heart-chord with a thrill. 
From his joyous little throat 
Flashed each full-timed happy note 

Of the rich-toned, rustic singer Whip-poor-will. 

Sweet, oh, sweet the song he sang 

Though it savored of harangue. 
And the boisterous little braggart seemed to reach 

Everyone both far and near 

Who possessed a listening ear 
As he took his little stump and sang his speech. 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 87 

Then my little world was bound 

By the woods that stood around, 
And their shadows filled my bosom with unrest. 

Nature spread h er charms in view 

And to me whose joys were few 
The Whip-poor-will's sweet song seemed first and best. 

Frogs a-croaking down the fiat 

Here and there a fluttering bat 
And the deep-drawn, placid breathing of the kine. 

As they lay beyond the bars 

'Neath the shelter of the stars — 
These filled the twilight evenings that were mine. 

Sighing, swayed the heavy boughs 

Softly sighed the sleeping cows 
And I wondered if the world were all so still. 

O'er the lowlands lay the mist, 

All is lone and lorn when — hist! 
Like a triumph rings the song of Whip-poor-will. 

Music, music fresh as dew 

Cheering as the moon when new, 
Charming, with a charm that lasts one's whole life long. 

Whip-poor-will, lost Whip-poor-will 

How these twilights miss the thrill 
Of the magic and the music of his song! 

Very high and very low 

Very swift and very slow 
Very earnest, very full and very clear; 

Where the shadows seemed most dense 

Just beyond the door-yard fence 
Flashed suddenly this rapture on the ear. 



88 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

And it quickened up my heart 

That was world-sick from the start 
And it taught me that the deepest gloom may bring 

Something joyous, light and bright 

As it brought this bird at night 
That never in the daylight's known to sing. 



A Piece of Lace. 

Why do I keep this piece of lace? 

Because it somehow fills a place. 
It helps my anxious eye to trace 

The lineaments of one loved face. 
A wee, wee face that stole away 

A sunbeam from our sunlit way. 

A face not pillowed on my breast, 
A face whose silence told its rest, 

And gave no sign though oft caressed. 
One tiny hand a rosebud pressed. 

This lace? I saw it when I bowed — 

*Twas used to trim the baby's shroud. 

It brings to me a babe asleep 

On which I gazed. I did not weep. 
Why should I? Surely He will keep 

These ones He loves with love so deep. 
I laid love's tenderness aside 

And clung to Faith when baby died. 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 89 

In Memory of Father B. W. Lorrigan. 

Whose first and last mass was sung on Christmas day, 1887. 

An angel of death swept on pinions of shadow 

Slowly to earthward on last Christmas day. 

Swayed on her swift wing o'er mountain and meadow, 

Then entered a chapel decked fair as the May; 

Silently stood near a youthful priest kneeling 

Low at the altar his first mass to sing, 

Into his voice came her sweet pathos stealing 

While over him shadowed her sheltering wing. 

Over his soul came her heavenly seeming 
As deep in his heart sank her peace and her love. 
While into his eyes came the drift of her dreaming — 
Her dreams of long rest in the mansions above. 
Into his hands came the grace of her gesture 
Into his voice came the strength of her prayer. 
Over his robes fell the glow of her vesture 
Lighting the face that an angel might wear. 

Hovering near, as his hands raised in blessing — 

Heaven's own light on his countenance shone — 

She said, while a kiss on his white forehead pressing, 

"This is my seal; I will claim thee my own!" 

And we, who, transfixed by his youth and his beauty 

Did fervently pray that his feet might not miss, 

But ever walk true in the pathways of duty 

Knew not that his brow bore the Death Angel's kiss. 

Nor knew why his eyes wore that wonderful splendor 

Like jewels reflecting a ray from the Throne. 

Nor guessed that the face where youth's light beamed 

so tender 
Reflected an angel's face near to his own. 



90 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

And quickly she claimed him against the endeavor 
Of all love and science to lure off the goal. 
Oh, light of God's glory surround him forever — 
Oh, peace of Christ's Paradise solace his soul! 



Retrospection. 

Where I most live 'tis always spring 
The mosses yield beneath my feet, 

The song-birds gayly dart and sing 

As mate seeks mate on pinion iieet. 

There always comes the moistened touch 
Of spring's rare kisses on my cheek. 

This fiower-land I love so much 
No autumn chill makes bleak. 

My mind dwells there because to me 
Those years encompassed more 

Than time shall span again though he 
Deal out a round four score. 

This land is youth. I dwell there still. 

From me its spring cannot depart. 
A flower it is that doth distill 

Elixir from its crystal heart. 

Of which I drink or thirst and die; 

For I must live and I must sing 
With hearts that love with love near by — 

Or yield to autumn's withering. 

So where I live 'tis always spring 

The beeches and the flowers unfold. 

And nature in its whispering 

Tells "the old story ne'er grown old." 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 9 1 

Clouds. 

There were rifts in the clouds yester-even, 

Dark clouds, where the bright moon peepedthrough 

And shone for an instant, then vanished 
And left the world darker to view. 

And my way lay ahead in the distance 

Too dim and uncertain to see; 
And the moon drifted on but the darkness 

Was all that the night gave to me. 

Still, I knew there was light, and that sometime. 

Yea, sometime I knew it must fall 
And knew it would flood o'er the darkness 

The night, and my pathway and all. 

And I prayed: "By Thy tears in the garden 
When low hung the dark clouds o'er Thee, 

Oh, Christ, be my guide and my solace, 

Give strength from Thy strength-cup to me! 

"For my life like this night has grown darkened 

And the shadows are all that I see. 
But I pray that the will of the Father 

As Thou prayest be done unto me." 

These clouds after all, seem like incense 

Of prayer floating upward to God, 
Why grieve, when the eye of the Father 

Doth watch both the rainbow and clod.'' 

Why doubt, when the shadows have parted 

That cover my life like a pall, 
I shall see that God's mercy like moonlight 

Glowed back of the clouds through it all.'' 



92 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

My Tempter. 

My Muse doth beckon me and say: 
"Let us away, let us away! 
Away where skies are opal-hued 
And HHes on the lakes are strewed; 
Where mountain breezes kiss the hair 
And rest is reigning everywhere. 
Come, dream with me thy spirit dreams 
By mossy rocks and whispering streams; 
Come, clasp thou Genius' proffered hand 
In that fair land, that longed-for land! 

"Grown weary art thou of thy toil, 

And, as a clod like to the soil 

Thou treadst upon, wilt thou become — 

Fit to be trod on, sordid, dumb! 

Expand thou in the higher air 

That mind that nature meant should share 

The atmosphere where laurels wreathe — 

There shouldst thou live, there shouldst thou breathe! 

Rise, and dispense thy nature's hoard; 

'Twas given thee, not to be stored 

Like miser's gold! Come thou with me — 

Live thou thy life! Be free, be free!" 

And thus my Muse doth rouse my Soul 
Till, all rebellious of control 
Imperiously she quick demands; 
"Release or I must break these bands! 
For I would scale yon sparkling heights 
And drain yon goblet of delights. 
Would sing my song with voice as free 
As nature's own great symphony. 
Would live the higher life! Oh, this, 
To me were bliss, to me were bliss. 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 93 



"I hear afar those whispering streams, 

I feel the atmosphere, the beams 

Of fine aesthetic light. I long 

To rise above the cares that throng 

My path at every turn. The toil 

The circumstances that do foil 

Ambitions rise. I long to scale 

Yon heights. I weary of the vale. 

To rise is my inborn desire — 

I would go higher, I must go higher!" 



But Reason speaks: '*Thy duty lies 
At present far beneath yon skies! 
Beside this cradle sing thy song 
'Twill echo through the centuries long. 
'Twill live, perhaps, when like all clay 
Earth shall itself have passed away. 
The best oh, ardent Soul, spend here, 
Thy music on the baby's ear 
Will not be lost. Live thou thy grand 
Great life — but hold the baby's hand! 



"Try thou not now to climb those heights, 
To drain that goblet of delights. 
But drink thou here thy humble cup 
And share with babe thy every sup. 
'Twill sweeten after-life for him 
If thy lips, too, have touched the brim. 
Train thou the tender mind and heart; 
For virtue, in an honest mart, 
Than genius brings a higher price — 
Aye, higher twice, nay, higher thrice! 



94 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

"So o'er the stewardship of Now 
Be faithful. From the naked bough 
Burst forth the vital buds. Not bare 
Thy life of fruitfulness. But where 
Achievements high seem least to be 
They latent lie. 'Tis thus we see 
Wealth, honor, fame may all be grown 
In humble soil if seed be sown. 
Yon heights if gained may prove full drear — 
Content thee here, be happy here." 

And Reason adds: "Perchance a ruse 

Is this that calls itself thy 'Muse'; 

Remember heights thou cannot scale 

Ere thou hast safely walked the vale! 

And if, perchance thou reach those streams 

Besides which thou wouldst dream thy dreams, 

Mays't find thy inspiration fled — 

That farther up thy Muse hath sped 

And from a greater height may say: 

'Come thou this way, this higher way!' 

"Thus will-o'-wisp will surely prove 
The one who lures thee from the groove 
Where duty placed thee and v^^here lies 
Thy life-work, clear as summer skies. 
Believe me, though thy coming's late. 
Thy Muse if true for thee will wait. 
Will wait till thou hast gained control 
Of this thyself, oh, restless Soul! 
Till, full expanded in the light 
Of God's munificence, no sprite 
Of Fancy's fold can change thy bent 
Of judgment. Wisdom, heaven-lent 
Will guide thy rise toward yonder skies. 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 95 

"Thy Muse, if true will wait thee there 
Where skies are opal-hued and fair. 
Where lilies lie upon the lakes 
Where music o'er the water breaks. 
She'll spin with thee thy threads at eve, 
And weave with thee thy wonder-weave. 
On wings of light she'll lead thee higher 
To thy desire, thy great desire. 
And there beside those whispering streams 
She'll dream with thee thy spirit dreams." 



When The Children are Grown. 

"When the children are grown" 

Mused a mother one night 
"I shall set this and that 

And the other thing right. 
I shall purchase this, that. 

And the other thing too, 
And have the house furnished 

And burnished anew. 

"Yes, then I shall purchase 

The fine Brussel's net 
For the drawing-room windows. 

And that coveted set 
Of gay Royal Dalton; 

No use getting it now, 
To be chipped, cracked and broken 

As children know how. 



96 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

"Every plan I conceive — 

Every project is blown 
In haste and to waste 

By their pigmy cyclone, 
That scatters and batters 

And ruins the best 
Of endeavors I make 

To improve the home nest. 

"But from basement to attic 

I'll give a fresh tone 
To the entire house 

When the children are grown.' 
And her mind sped ahead 

To the time when with ease 
She'd enjoy both her children 

And luxuries like these. 

Then softly, so softly 

That none else could hear 
Had it fallen on any 

Save mother's quick ear, 
Came a breath of reproof 

From the bedroom near by, 
A breath that spoke volumes — 

A sleeping child's sigh. 

Had she gone to bed happy 

This dear little mite.? 
Or was there a tear in 

Her kiss of good night.? 
Her sigh woke a feeling 

Of anguished unrest 
Way deep in the center 

Of young mother's breast. 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 97 

Was she giving full joy, 

Was she giving her best, 
To the little ones gathered 

Within the home nest? 
Was she rasping and grasping 

And saving the best 
For the haphazard caller 

Or sometime strange guest? 

Was she fretfully watching 

Every move each child made 
Lest the furniture suffer 

A jot vi^here they played? 
I fear a voice whispered 

That all this was true 
But assured, there was time 

Much of this to undo. 

It told her that childhood 

With vision so clear 
Always magnified all 

Of the good or bad near. 
That the measure of beauty 

Ten fold good would do 
If 'twere given them now 

While life yet was so new. 

"Why wait?" said that whisper, 

"Why wait till they're grown? 
Your babes are now with you. 

When grown they are flown. 
They will have all too little 

Of home's best to share 
If you wait till they're grown 

To save tatter and tear." 



98 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

She stole to the bedside 

And kissed each damp brow. 
"I shall get the fine china 

And Brussel's net now. 
They can tangle their fingers 

Within its fine folds — 
After all, they're the best 

Of the riches life holds. 

"The fine things I get 

When these little ones are 
Too prudent and prim 

To disfigure or mar 
Will be lacking the pleasure 

That clings oh, so much 
To each article bearing 

The trace of their touch." 



Star of the Sea. 

We praise her in poetic measure, 

In the grace and the grandeur of prose, 
And Genius has offered his treasure 

At the feet of the fair Jewish Rose. 
The brush and the pen have extolled her 

Both in maiden and motherhood charms, 
And the hearts of the holy enfold her 

As she folds the Christ in her arms. 
Fair Lily of Israel, waiting 

That message of prestige to be, 
Passed out from the shades of the temple 

Our immaculate Star of the sea. 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 99 

Ah, "Blessed art thou among women!" 

The angel of God announced this. 
"The Lord is with thee!" This the message 

That filled her with fear and with bliss; 
That raised her above all creation — 

That gave her the stars for a crown. 
"Thou hastfound grace with God," Hark ye nations! 

For here is proclaimed her renown. 
'Behold from henceforth, generations 

Shall all call me blessed!" Glad are we 
To offer our homage of honor 

To her our blessed Star of the sea. 

In Bethlehem's stable we find her, 

Prayerful and blissful and mild 
And humble, albeit the shepherds 

Kneel lowly, and worship her child. 
Silent, and fearful she pondered 

The words of the worshipping few, 
Glancing anon at the manger 

Wondering how all this were true. 
A mystery shadowed the stable 

And gathered its gloom. Ah, but she 
Rose undimmed both in virtue and glory — 

Our luminous Star of the sea. 



And all through the changing picture 

Of Christ's holy mission here 
We find her a tender guardian 

Hovering ever near. 
Watching His happy childhood. 

Wondering and worshipping while 
Her heart sank low at His sadness. 

Her beauty grew bright in His smile. 



lOO WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

And hers was the blissful privilege 

To stand by His side and know 
All His life, from the humble manger, 

On, up through the way of woe. 
Dear arms that have sheltered the Savior 

Shield those who have trusted in thee. 
And over life's turbulent billows 

Beam brightly, blessed Star of the sea. 

Though great was the grace of her mission — 

A triumph o'er all woman kind — 
A ceaseless foreboding filled ever 

The innermost depths of her mind; 
'Twas the prophecy made in the temple 

"Thy own soul a sword shall pierce!" This 
Like a cloud hanging dark in the distance 

Ever shadowed her hours of bliss. 
This beauteous woman, this chosen 

Of all David's daughters to be 
The Vessel of Honor, hath suffered 

Pain known not to you and to me! 

Out where the storm-clouds are flinging 

Their banners of blackness on high; 
Out where the lightnings are flashing 

Their lurid light's through the sky. 
We see, in a vision of anguish 

A cross, towering rugged and tall, 
And we hear like the call of the thunder 

A voice cry out over it all: 
"It is finished." And we know that the Savior 

Has turned from the hyssop and gall. 
Clinging to Christ in her terror, 

Kissing the blood-branded tree — 
Hers was the sorrow of sorrows 

Cloud-covered, Star of the sea! 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA lOI 

My Husband. 

In the rosy realms of youth 

First we met. 
Where the pathways are uncouth, 
But they lead one on forsooth 
Where the flowered ways in truth 

Are a net. 

Caught in film as frail and fine 

As the dew. 
Cupid never drew a line 
With an aim more deadly fine 
Than pierced heart of thine and mine — 

This we knew. 

All along the path together 

That we chose. 
Held thou ever Cupid's tether 
Through the fair or fickle weather, 
Whether sun shone bright or whether 

Storms arose! 

Armor wearest thou not and yet 

Dost defend. 
'Gainst the evils that beset 
'Gainst each vague and vain regret 
That doth hang and haunt me yet, 

Oh, my friend! 

I've thought Cupid's little dart 

Heaven-sent. 
For thou'st been my guide and chart 
And thou'st acted well thy part. 
And I've rested near thy heart 

In content. 



102 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

Memories. 

Voices lost come back to me, 
Faces fair I used to see; 
Voices that I loved to hear, 
Faces once so very near. 

When they gathered close and pressed 
Low their heads upon my breast; 
I am glad I let them know 
How I loved them, long ago. 

Glad, too, I have full}^ known 
All the riches then my own. 
When they leaned against my knee 
And I cared not to be free. 

Little ones! The thrilling notes 
Bubbling from their happy throats 
Fell like music on my ear 
And grew richer year by year. 

Song-birds mine, who sang to me 
Far off in my memory. 
Come back and with your music bring 
My youth again, just while you sing! 

I shall listen and shall know 
Every note of long ago. 
Every sound will bring the cheer 
That my little ones are near. 

Come, ye little clinging hands 
And clasp my own like silken bands 
Come, ye little tottering feet 
And let me hear again your beat! 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA IO3 

Little wavering steps are now 
A man's long strides! Each placid brow 
Has lines of care. Each velvet cheek 
Is bearded. Oh, Time will ye speak 

And tell me have ye aught in store 
As price for these now mine no more.-* 
Tell me hast thou aught for me 
That can replace these treasures three? 



April's Pruning. 

Our youth like the spring is a promise rife 
Of the full, rich harvest of after life; 

Great prospects abound in the filling field, 

Bright blossoms foretell of the orchard's yield. 

The heart is astir with a life new born, 

Its juices as sweet as the coming corn. 

Soon grief, like the sough of the April blast 

Shakes every bough with its bloom broadcast. 

And some must lie on the yielding ground 

While the rest flash back in a strong rebound. 

The fittest remain and the lost ones yield 

Good compost, no doubt, for a fallow field; 

But the boughs that have bent to blast and frost, 

Have they no regret for the blossoms lost.? 
We know that the waste of that bloom contained 

An added strength for the fruit that remained. 
That sorrows of youth like pruning in spring 

Both treasures of good to the harvest bring. 
But we know though with plenty the harvest swell 

It's natural to sigh for the blossoms that fell. 



104 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

Like the April rain on the window pane 

Are the tears of youth — they soon dry again. 

But they leave a trace like a waste or stain. 

They seem like the bloom 'neath the pelting rain 

That never, no never shall rise again. 

And rich however the harvest may be, 

Is it ever as sweet as the bloomtime.-* Ah me! 

Reason's great alchemy turns dross to gold. 

Nature's great crucible best traits unfold. 
Thus cometh good from what seemeth but lost — 

Pain shapes the character, count not the cost. 
Welcome the blast and the bhght and the frost, 

Hide every bruise, every hope that was lost. 
Enjoy the rich fruits of the orchards and know 

It was best for us all that some blossoms lie low. 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA lO? 

Dread of Oblivion. 

"When I shall die!" We saw this as the theme 
Of some sad poet's sentimental dream, 

Or nightmre rather for he took a view 
That made us shudder as we read it through. 

In graceful metaphor he showed the grim 
State of affairs when time was past for him. 

Himself the center as the world went round 
Knew best its loss when he lay under ground. 

We scorned his thought and scorned his verse wherein 
Lay implied surety that its virtue win 

A deathless place; that in the minds of men 
He thus might live the centuries o'er again. 

Until we found his hope, though scarce expressed 
Lies in the depth of every human breast. 

We're each a factor whose uncommon worth 
Seems such a waste to hide beneath the earth! 

Oh, to be missed! To have the world's great heart 
Feel but one pang, one poignant pain, one smart 

At our demise. 'Twould light the flame 
For one brief moment in our torch of fame. 

"When I shall die!" It is a thought we all 
Dispatch with speed, reluctantly recall. 

But which with force obtrudes itself at will 
And for the moment makes the heart stand still; 

Which we discuss in whispers and which bleeds 
The veins of mirth, awhile, then no one heeds! 

Ah, but, sir friend when you or we shall die 
As die we must as sure's the sky's the sky, 



I06 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

'Twill be as viewing broad, bright fields of grain, 
Our little stalk, too frail to bear the strain 
Sinks to the earth and does not rise again. 

Those standing near may note the jar and fall 
And for the moment cease their waving all. 

But save the near-by few, who else may know 
That one straw less stands in the glittering row? 

These near-by few, how long do they recall 
The incident of yonder weakling's fall? 

Perhaps a moment! Far too much have they 
To do, to mourn their fellow that's away — 
They've duties with the myriads that stay, 

'Tis just as well for us to face the fact 

That we, the perishable, must think and act. 

With zeal set on the lasting things that hold 
Against the force of death, decay and mold. 

How fleeting are the things we cherish most. 
Of which we plan and scheme and vainly boast. 

Man's high regard we crave to stand well in. 
The good will of the world we strive to win, 

The fame, the name, the limelight we admire. 
The love of leadership our hearts desire; 

The gold we hoarded, jewels that we kept 
In glaring splendor while the poor man wept. 

These trifles gathered in our grasping hands. 
With right to titles, ownership of lands — 

What profit these? The hands unclasp and all 
Slip from the pulseless grasp when comes the Call! 

Then let us not regret or pine or grieve 

O'er this great ill we're powerless to retrieve — 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA IO7 

What Adam lost by his great broken trust, 
But, meek, accept the sentence "Dust to Dust." 

And when we're gone the living world will swing 
On o'er its orbit past the stars that sing 

Their endless songs; and this same sun will shine 
After, as well as ages ere our time. 

We're but an eon sent forth for a time 
Clothed in the garment of creation's slime. 

Just for a while to keep the place we're given, 
And fill the tasks assigned to us by heaven. 

A brilliant goal is given us to reach 

Which we must gain by entering through the breach 

Called Death, beyond which lies our destiny 
Which with the eyes of faith e'en now we see. 

Here are the streets all paved in gleaming gold, 
The walls thereof are jasper stone, we're told. 

The gates are pearl and gleam as moonlight gleams, 
Here are fulfilled the dreamer's fondest dreams. 

The jewels lie like pebbles on the shore — 
Here are no partings. Here there will be more 

Of joy than mind of man hath e'er conceived. 
Now tell me, friend, why is it we are grieved 

About this great transition.? Why we sigh 
When we look forward to "When we shall die.?" 



I08 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

Yuletide. 

The lights are low, mere glittering gleams that serve 
To guide the course of those too wont to swerve — 
The inadvertent that oft find a snare, 
A dead-fall even, 

In an easy chair 
If placed a fraction of a fraction more 
To left or right from where it stood before. 
This demi-light is what I now desire 
That I may more enjoy 

The Yuletide fire. 
For soothing 'tis to watch its fitful glow 
As 'tis to watch wide waters as they flow. 
One sees strange figures come and disappear 
And come no more. 

Life seems so transient here 
In this the flame-world, one is filled with awe 
Remembering ne'er again he'll see what he just saw. 
Here come strange figures, gay, grotesque, bizarre, 
Bearing bright torches 

Formed of burning bar. 
At times each figure seems a breathing being 
Full of keen consciousness, hearing, seeing. 
Knowing the things one's self alone can know — 
Baring the secrets buried long ago. 
At times they seem 

To have angelic voice 
Of measured sweetness and of language choice 
In words. It sounds like music. Then again 
Come calls of terror like the cries of men^ — 
Men in deep anguish. 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA lOQ 

Men whose voices cry 
In sobs of sorrow that could rend the sky. 
Then comes the sound of laughter, gurgling, gay, 
Spontaneous, as the laughter of a child at play. 
Bright little forms in groups go dancing by 
Tossing their arms 

In happiness on high, 
As children toss their arms in joyous play 
Pursuing pleasure on a holiday — 
Their happy hands seem beckoning this way 
And set me dreaming. 

Then I oft can see 
Faces once known but long forgot by me. 
Start from the embers, flash out through the flames 
So suddenly I almost call their names. 
These fire-folk thus hold many charms for me 
In lieu of more congenial company; 
I bid them welcome. 

Brief their stay 'tis true — 
Fleeting their greeting, gracious their adieu. 
Each flash of flame that pierces through the gloom 
Displays the comforts of this cozy room. 
And lights the rare old silver, e'en the bread 
And viands on this costly table spread, 
But all untasted. 

While a hunger gnaws 
Within my vitals for a food that was. 
A food indeed purveyor deals not in 
Nor can gold purchase, nor can valor win. 
But gratis goes in gracious portions given. 
As well to those who least for it have striven 
As those who've begged and bartered life and soul 
For just a portion — 



no WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

E'en a niggard's dole, 
Niggardly given, reticent and cold. 
Elixir this which turns life's dross to gold, 
And by whose force life's currents are controlled. 
A glimpse of heaven its recipient gains 
Until 'tis lost; thereafter there remains 
A barrenness of life and all therein — 
A blank vacuity of which death is kin. 
And this is love. 

It seems a little thing 
For which to hunger* lack of which to bring 
Such emptiness amid such luxury as this; 
Such pain of heart where hope had pictured bliss. 
Listen! 

That sound is like a voice in prayer; 
Though it does rise from out the burning there. 
What says that voice that sounds so far away."* 
It seems to plead for those who cannot pray — 
Poor souls whose time for prayer is spent for aye. 
iVnd now the flame grows thin and pale and blue 
And awful! 

Tell me, think you it is true 
That spirits sometime enter at the flue 
And fan the flame into this ghastly hue.'' 
I shudder, for the rising of the gale 
Against the snow-filled windows beats as hail 
And shrieks so like the echo of a wail. 
Was that a wail.'' 

A cry from off the street.'' 
I draw the shades aside and through the sleet, 
See but an auto in a swift retreat. 
Down with resounding crash fall burning brands 
Flashing like gems on over-jeweled hands! 
Flooding the room with light. 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA III 

Till shadows grow 
Remote and distant and a magic glow 
Falls on their gilded darkness, shaping slow 
The face and form of her loved long ago. 
Strong on my vision as reality 
Thus oft they've come before and on my reverie 
Became so real I fancied it were she — 
My Miriam, 

Now flown beyond the sea. 
Beam forth bright light I would again behold 
Each graceful outline traced along the fold 
Of her frail garments glittering like gold. 
From crown to foot one sweeping line of grace — 
Classic of garb, classic of form and face. 
She seemed of breathing marble. 

In her place 
She stands again beside the mantel there 
The firelight flashing toward her gleaming hair, 
Lighting her face as she looks down at me. 
With eyes whose depths hold all love's mystery. 
Whose liquid warmth intoxicates as wine 
Of which I drank, 

And ruin has been mine. 
Resting her shapely arm upon the mantel, she 
Looks down upon me gravely, musingly 
Until I rouse and lift my eyes to see 
The fire-light falling on a fantasy. 
Formed of my hopes. 

Formed of my great desire 
And clothed in brilliants by the fickle fire. 
So real it seems, so full of life and bloom 
I reach my arms to clasp — only the gloom! 
For many, many moons had I eschewed 
This social hour with friends, 



112 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

Just to delude 
Myself in thinking that one roof-tree spreads 
Its ample shelter still above our heads. 
And this, my dream of her at eventide 
Is best of all the day brings best beside. 
I live the bright brief measure and forget 
Love's rose was plucked, 

Plucked with its petals wet 
With dews of hope upon its bosom spread; 
Then cast to earth and deep her foot did tread 
It in the dust. 

Sometimes again I feel 
The strenuous ardor of my last appeal: 
How I had pleaded that my every weal 
Depended on her life that must be part 
Of mine, or crush the life-hopes of my heart. 
All vain my plea. 

This foster sister mine 
Who'd grown about me as a beauteous vine 
Whose tendrils clung so close that every fold 
Seemed rooted in my veins, would loose her hold 
And break the ties that bound us. 

She, my comrade, who 
With me so often brushed the early dew 
O'er vale and hill whose paths we loved so well; 
Who watched with me the angry billows swell 
And waste their crested beauty on the sand. 
High on the cliffs we stood, her fingers in my hand 
Clinging with clasp of confidence I knew 
None else inspired. 

Near to the edge we drew 
And sea-mist strewed fine crystals in her hair 
That turned to ringlets in the dampened air. 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA II3 

Again we'd stand upon a shaded slope 
While round about her I'd weave every hope 
That made existence life, 

Now lack of which 
Beggars the heart possession once made rich. 
Here from these casements when the day was done 
Together we would watch the setting sun 
Sink in the level sea, and one by one 
The dusk reveals the stars. 

Say, could they tell 
The tales they've heard, inspired we know full well 
By their own mystic presence — tell they all 
Beginning back with Adam ere his fall 
When first he whispered love to Eve at rise 
Of moon in that fair vale of paradise! 
What tomes on tomes of tender tales would rise 
Towering like Babel till they'd cleave the skies. 
Oh, twilight stars, 

And you could tell as well 
Of love's unhappy endings; for the knell 
Rings out for love as oft as wedding chimes — 
Hands may be mated but not hearts all times! 
Ye stars! Heard ye her words that parting night 
As near the window gazing at your light 
We lingered? I can hear them yet: 

"That vow 
We made when we were children holds not now! 
Love is a minor chord, its plaintive strain 
Is not for me; believe me, all in vain 
To me love's notes are sung. 

"Life were a drear 
And senseless thing were I denied to hear 
Us music swelling in its grandest key 



114 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

And fill my soul with its deep harmony. 

Life is for me too large, too grand a thing 

To compass round with love's small wedding ring. 

I would see many lands; 

"Neath many skies 
Watch for my stars of fortune as they rise, 
I'd feel the fire, bask in the blaze of fame! 
Aye, though love's pyre were needed for the flame! 
Ah, brother mine, 'tis not alone for self 
Nor gain of shifting perishable pelf 
That most I'll work and strive for; 

"But when I—" 
She raised her strong, straight glance slow toward the 

sky, 
"Have reached my goal, my pedestal of fame. 
My chief desire will not be for a name 
That lasts forever. 

"My chief aim shall be 
To lift the lowly from their misery. 
To paint their poverty or pain or vice 
So vividly as e'en in hearts of ice 
To melt the current of warm charity. 
I'd silent pour rich bounty from the horn 
Of plenty into their meagre store. 

"Morn 
And noon and night I would so paint their worst 
Condition that the niggard hoards should burst 
And flow to help their needs. 

"This would I do 
And more, much more I must needs not review." 
"Fair sage! Reformer! Dreamer of nineteen 
With wisdom teeth not fully cut, I ween, 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA Il5 

Are there no fields of labor near at hand? 
Dispense this graciousness in your own land. 
Let the fair lustre of your rising fame 
Fall upon those who've known you always. 

"Dame 
Fortune for some beside the spindle waits, 
And oppulence forsooth more needs creates. 
Your well-meant gifts bestowed may but enhance 
Or waken strange desires, 

"And perchance 
Forever after germs of discontent 
May multiply and even change the bent 
Of honest, sane endeavor. 

"Ah, my dear 
Your field of fruitful labor lies right here. 
Fame's loftiest height excels not yet the dome 
That perfect woman rears above her home. 
Know you dyspepsia fathers crime and vice? 
That cooks convert more mortals in a trice 
Than missionaries, 

"By long sermons can convince? 
And this plain fact that makes so many wince 
Still fact remains; for, good cooks had we more, 
We need have fewer jails. Aye there's the core 
Of great reform! 

"The perfect woman must 
Perfect her sphere. Hers is the highest trust 
Given to humankind. Hers is the breast 
On which the future universe must rest. 
Oh, womanhood! How potent and how great 
To hold the destiny of man's estate! 
A woman, great, as you'll be great, 



Il6 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

"Who spends 
Her vital strength of soul and mind and lends 
The spur of her ambition to inspire 
Hearts that partake of her own ardent fire 
Does noble work than which there's nothing higher. 
Time still remains when this grand work is done 
To strive for other laurels other than those won. 
Think you not so.-*" 

With look of scorn she turned, 
An angry flush upon her temples burned. 
Out of the depths of her resplendent eyes. 
Flashed self-reliance like sharp steel. The rise 
Of anger in her heaving bosom threw 
Only a subtle charm about her. 

"You 
As well yon sea might order to be still! 
As well try bridling of the winds! At will 
Attempt to call an eagle from its course, 
Or turn yon river backward to its source. 
Waste not your words; 

"You are but pouring oil 
On waters from whose stillness you would first recoil, 
If once they calmed; for like a flood in ire 
Their overflow would change good soil to mire. 
In which the herbage dies. 

"No, I must go 
Leaving your life unscathed by the glow 
And fire of mine. And you'll live on and on 
Your wholesome life. You'll be a paragon 
Of nobleness! 

"And, later you may be 
A senator, perhaps a president of this great, free 
And glorious commonwealth. 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA I ly 

"Why, honors may 
Rest on your forehead as on mine the bay! 
Vary your interests if the time grows long 
'Twixt Wall street ventures and the wood-bird's song. 
Glory the future holds for both and we, 
As years unfold the scroll of time, shall see 
Our lives enlarged, enriched, exalted. 

"Rare 
The wage of sacrifice that we'll find there!" 
''The 'wage of sacrifice' dear girl," said I 
"Can well be earned in laboring nearer by. 
No need have we to cross the seas 

"To find 
The ways and means to benefit mankind! 
The future beckons with elusive hand 
And points to shores where too few reach the land. 
Better to hearken to the near-by voice 
Of present, pleading, with you for your choice 
And cultured ministrations. 

"Can you not hear 
The call of duty.'' It is very near. 
In yonder hut a weary woman lies. 
The babe upon her sickly bosom cries 
For nourishment. 

"Forsooth the mother's need 
Of wholesome food has caused the infant's greed. 
This can be purchased — has been, I may say, 
And freely given, but, it is the way 
A deed is done, more than the deed that brings 
Relief of mind, 

"And mind controls most things. 
A woman's gentle, ministering caress, 
A woman's sympathy of voice to bless, 



Il8 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

She needs so much, in this her dire distress. 
Bounty bestows not these. 

"It can give food 
To fill the needs of yonder little brood; 
But of that unction woman's heart contains — 
That magic balm that soothes the sharpest pains 
It is as barren as Saharah's sands, 
And just as void of what the heart demands. 
Bestow this, then. 

"It lies within your hands; 
'Twould raise their souls from out this wretchedness, 
And deeds like this in turn your life will bless. 
Repaying you in that deep peace of soul 
The world has not the power to control. 
Here's opportunity! 

"And you may share 
Within the limits of this little square 
A goodly portion of your cherished pelf, 
As well as brain and sacrifice of self! 
See yon rheumatic! — 

"Old and bent and blurred. 
Tales of his toil and suffering have stirred 
Deep wells of charity. Give him a word, 
A book, a feast of pleasure genuine 
Like dining out. 

"And thus you can begin 
Your large career of usefulness and power 
This very eve, aye, e'en this very hour; 
I shall accompany you and together we 
Shall lift up mortals from their misery. 
Remain, my all, my cherished love, with me!" 
"I'll work alone," she said. 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA II9 

"Love's trammels bind 
Like fetters forged and welded. Far behind 
Like failing memory or receding wake 
Will fade this love-dream from the course I take. 
Youth is but callow. 

"When we're grown mature, 
Ridiculous will seem this vain amour — 
If until then its memory endure!" 
Ah bitter words! 

I turned to her and said, 
"Check not your flight of genius that has sped 
Too far beyond this work-day world for me. 
I would not dwarf thy fancy nor would thee 
Bind by e'en the tether of a thought. Be free!" 
A passing shadow crossed the deepened blue 
Of her fine eyes. 

'Twas but a moment, too 
But like a cloud closed o'er the future years 
And mists arose that seemed like gathering tears. 
The freedom sought had been too quickly found. 
The freedom gained yawned like a gaping wound. 
I who had begged, besought 

And even bent the knee 
Might have rejoiced had it been joy to me 
To see she suffered — chafed at being free! 

Through dewy eyes loomed up the woman-soul 
Showing the impulse now in strong control: 
She had relented. 

I could read the thought 
Enter her mind with all the train it brought. 
An indecision wavered in her eyes 
That sought the floor. I watched to see them rise, 
Hoping all things. At last they rose. 



120 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

"The spell 
Is broken, brother — we must say farewell." 
And thus it passed, this lost day-dream of mine 
To come no more while stars of glory shine. 
From the wide wings by wild ambition spread 
She waved adieu; 

Borne on their strength she sped 
To other shores, to other fairer skies 
To better watch her stars of glory rise, 
I, gazing after found with deep regret 
She had forgotten — I could not forget. 
Years had passed on 

And now it was too late 
To feed my heart the antidote of hate. 
It held her impress ne'er to be effaced — 
Etherial, fair, earth-burdenless and chaste. 
Tangible too, it seemed to every sense, 
Ruling my life, 

Nor could be banished hence. 
Thus did I muse and rest upon my hand 
My throbbing head, letting the vision stand 
Beside the mantel. 

Vision so strong and fair 
Though formed of firelight on the shadowed air. 
I heard the servants moving to and fro 
And happy voices rang from rooms below. 
Their movements, quite unusual to me 

' ^ Of 

Told plain they felt the gist'Christmas glee 
They little knew of me.'' 

And less they cared 
Nor in my solitude condoned or shared. 
Subdued, however grew the sounds I heard, 
Soon I forgot they ever had occurred. 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 121 

My loneliness was no concern of theirs — 
Food, fun and frolic rightly reigned down stairs. 
For this was Christmastide. 

I heard afar 
The hallways echo to a sliding bar. 
The creak of hinge the fastening of the chain 
And then the halls were silent once again. 
*' 'Tis late indeed, they've barred the outer door," 
Thought I, then lapsed in reverie once more, 
Forgetful of all else 

Save the frail guest 
Whose mystic presence cheered while it oppressed. 
And filled the room with vagueness and unrest. 
Fixing my eyes upon the fire once more 
It leaped from draft as from an opening door; 
Then quivered back 

To steady flame once more. 
Not so with me, its calm I did not share 
I felt, yet saw not, living presence there — 
A sentient presence vibrating the air! 
A Something neared me; 

But the shadows crept 
No whit more silent than that Something stepped. 
An aura circling mine pervaded me 
Weaving my sense in subtile tracery. 
Backward I turned with an uneasy glance — 
My sense was true, I hazarded no chance 
Of being deceived 

Or taken unaware. 
My soul alert felt plain a Something there. 
Whose presence stirred, a latent sense within — 
Not fear, but undeniably its kin 



122 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

For which I felt both anger and chagrin! 
I had faced robbers, 

Reptiles of the south; 
I had lain bleeding at the cannon's mouth, 
I had faced famine, prison, pain and drought 
But in all these hazards had I never known 
My hands grow clammy and my flesh seem bone. 
All this flashed o'er me in a second's space 
And, interwoven. 

Like the threads in lace 
Mingled the instinct that we know replies 
In ready action to the gaze of eyes — 
Eyes fixed strong upon us; 

True as bridle rein 
They drew me forward toward the fire again. 
My glance flashed up along a fire-lit fold 
Of shimmering garment with a glint of gold. 
Flashed to the face and through the shadows met 
Eyes full upon me, 

Eyes like jev/els set 
In ivory. Glance exchanged with glance 
Until I roused as from a fearful trance. 
My nostrils scenting fragrance through the room 
Of air pervaded with white violet bloom. 
This odor which 

I always linked with her 
Proved it was she and yet I did not stir, 
Fearful lest there might still be some mistake. 
And were this sleep then I would not awake! 
The years, I saw had showered as they sped 
A glow of glory 

O'er her graceful head. 
A larger soul looked through her shadowed eyes. 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 123 

A soul, in those short years grown strangely wise. 
And those deep eyes my own unfaltering sought 
Searching and strong and keen to read my thought, 
Yet with suspense 

And apprehension fraught. 
Still in their depths a triumph seemed to gleam 
That quick assured me this was not a dream. 
Upon her bosom fier)^ opals gleamed, 
Her hands were ringless. Gowned for me it seemed 
In all the shades and jewels I loved best 
To see her wear. 

It was for me she dressed. 
It was for me those hands of bands were bare 
That I might place the rings that they should wear. 
All this 1 saw and knew its meaning told 
The heart within held all the love of old. 
Aye, there she stood, 

She who for seven years 
Had watched her stars ascend their proper spheres. 
She who, perhaps had earned a deathless name 
And seen it traced upon the scrolls of fame, 
Leaned lightly there 

In her accustomed place 
Radiant with beauty, life and light and grace; 
As was her wont when in repentant mood 
Though unconvinced and always unsubdued 
She'd venture in 

To readjust some score 
At which she'd taken great offense before. 
But less aggrieved now wished to talk it o'er. 
And just as I as many times had met her 
Ready to make amends. 



124 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

Forget, and let her 
Queen it again in her imperious way, 
Over my better sense and rule the day! 
And just as I a thousand times again 
Had seen her stand — an impress on my brain. 
And roused each time to find the vision fled — 
Dispelled and vanished 

Leaving gloom instead. 
My empty solace, my illusion o'er 
I faced reality and life once more. 
But now I rose, my eyes still fixed on her 
Expecting somehow she would fade. 

The stir 
My movement made, brought color to her cheek. 
She spoke. Her voice seemed strangely changed and 

meek: 
"Brother, I have come back to you and set 
Are all my stars. 

Tell me, my love, if yet 
I'm welcome, and, if so for me, the day's begun 
And at your side I'll watch the rising sun 
Of life, filled now with aspirations true 
Which lack completeness if not shared by you!" 
For answer, I, 

Ere half her words were told 
Had clasped her hands, but in a trice a bold 
Voice rang clear and through the door came May, 
Followed by Jack, who bore a loaded tray. 
"Now none of this," he called 

"I'm chaperon, 
My object here to wake a sleeping drone 
Who lacks, it seems, the working power to eat!" 
Then followed servants bringing such replete — 



WHISPETS OF THE SEA 125 

Such plenteous, dainty, bounteous fare 
As I had never seen 

Or thought to share. 
I turned to him with vacuous silent stare. 
"Come, lend a hand, this dinner's late" said he 
"Our appetites are keen as keen can be. 
I'll act the host 

"I see that you're non plussed — 
How small a matter makes a hermit fussed!" 
It seemed the twinkling of an eye and all 
Was changed. A cell became a banquet hall. 
Gay guests and servants smiling with the smile 
That told me how 

They'd known this all the while. 
And Miriam! Now let the curtain fall 
This ends the play, we answer no recall. 



126 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

Cherry Blossoms. 
I. 

Cherry blossoms in the spring 
Poise aloft on russet wing, 

With their brown-veined vapory sheen 
Gleaming where late snows have been. 

In their welcome breath they bring 
First, faint fragrance of the spring. 

Long before the tulips hold 
Dew upon their hearts of gold, 

We may see their quivering glow 
Through the forests as we go. 

Blossoms of the cherry wild — 
Woodland's whitest, brightest child! 

Cherry blossoms! Now the air 
Is fragrant with them everywhere, 

Whether branches still uplift them 
Or the wind did rudely shift them 

To the ground where to and fro, 
They sweep like little drifts of snow, 

Offering fragrance as they go, 
Faint and fresh and thrilling — oh 
Like the spring air long ago. 

Springs I walked with Winifred 
On that quiet road that led 

The way to where the trees were best 
In their aerial costume dressed. 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 12 7 

Sheer and shimmering; altogether 
Robed for sunny, springtime weather. 

Cherry blossoms! oft they bring 
To me a mem'ry with a sting. 

Though so fair to see are they 
I've turned off another way 
Not to meet them, many a day. 

For a saddening vapor rose 
From their palid hearts that froze 

The warmth in mine; before I knew 
I'd brood upon that quarrel that grew 

To such wanton wreck through them — 
Fresh, as dawn from leaf to stem! 

Quarrelled about the simplest thing — 
How I'd tie a little string 

Around those sprays of bloom. Ah me, 
How short of sight, nay, blind are we 
Till we with youth part company! 

Imperious passion then holds sway; 
Reason, who rules the later way, 

Is helpless to right e'en to the last, 
Those ill-taught lessons of the past. 

Helpless to guide on current swift 
The craft by folly sent adrift. 

Those sprays of bloom as I have said, 
I gathered them for Winifred, 

Who held them in her arms to lay 
Her cheek down on their snowy spray. 

While her hair in loosened tress 
Lightly added its caress. 



128 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

But, in angry mood this day 
She had thrown them all away; 

I, moody, walked home at her side 
The outer self the heart belied. 

She, by her frown all peace defied. 
The road grew long and very wide. 

The chill rose from the sea and crept 
Into our hearts as slow we stepped. 

Until we'd reached her cottage gate. 
I opened it. Now was it fate 

That brought Jim to the place just then 
Or was it planned.'' I thought this, when 

He passed in and I passed by 
While Winifred with haughty eye 
Bowed cold adieu. I said "Good-bye," 

And swung off lightly toward the sea. 
A pang till then unknown to me 

Crept in my heart. The world seemed wrong. 
One note rang through the evening song 

Of all the birds and all they said 
Was, "Winifred, lost Winifred!" 

A wind rose wailing from the sea 
Bringing the self-same words to me. 

As oft it did through long years after 
When to others it seemed laughter. 

Next day all the village said: 
'Jim has married Winifred!" 

The trees and fences swam around 
In wild confusion when I found 

The news of this strange marriage'd spread 
Like wild-fire. And each listener sped 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 129 

To me. And thus from every side 
Poured comment like a rising tide. 

A mocking voice said in my ear; 
"Ah, Rob, yuh came mighty near 

Gettin' Winifreddie, didn't yuh, 

'Till jim asked her and she mittened yuh.?" 

At this voice the very ground 

Rose and toward me seemed to bound, 

And looked a mixture of the shade 
Of which lightning shafts are made. 

I, frenzied, caught the man and hurled 

Him downward, downward. Then the world 

Swayed backward, forward and grew black 
A moment as I staggered back. 

Married! Winifred! Each word 
Echoed clear, and in me stirred 

Strife, like battling legions. She, 
My long-promised bride-to-be 

Thus to break the vows she made. 
Seemed incredible. Decayed 

And crumbled be my faith henceforth 
In woman and in woman's worth. 

"Winifred, lost Winifred!" 

The words were true the waves had said. 

I called aloud, "This cannot be — 
Take back thy menace, oh, thou sea! 
Take back those words of prophecy — 

Take back, take back those words ill-said 
She must be mine, my Winifred!" 



130 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

"He's mad!" It was Jim's voice that chilled 
My marrow. Instantly I stilled 

And turned on him a look that made 
His sallow cheek turn ashen shade. 

He faltered, then quick turned and fled. 
Ah, this your mate? Poor Winifred! 

"How could she have married him.'' 
Dullard, sluggard, worthless Jim!" 

I asked m5^self as more and more 

I pondered this strange marriage o'er. 

I had acres far and wide 

Flocks and herds that easy'd hide 

Every furlong of his land, 
Yet he'd won away the hand 

Of her whose love meant nothing less 
To me, than all my happiness! 

To me she'd been, was still, must be, 
The load-star of my destiny. 

And all so soon. 'Twas yesterday 
We, side by side, had walked one way. 

Together seemed our paths to run 
Onward through life till life was done. 

Today, between us, chasm so wide 
Was dug as even to divide 

Our very thoughts, for now to think 
Meant only toppling at its brink. 

And toppling there meant but to fall 
And falling.? — ruin to us all! 

How quickly done. That vow soon spoke 
Time, space, nor language can revoke. 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA I3I 

How oft that word of quick consent 
The long, slow, after years repent. 

The marriage-shackle on, must be 
Worn ever. Life holds not the key 

To loosen this. And those who wait 

For tardy death to liberate 

Find that for some he comes too late. 

Lost Winifred! Like poisoned steel 
Her life had been to mine. The weal 

Of living now must always be 
Mixed with her touch of death to me. 

I sank to earth a wretched clod 
Seeking for strength from kindred sod. 

Earth's kind embrace restores to clay 
The strength the senses cast away. 

The day was closing; cedars cast 

Their weird and welcoming shade at last 

About my couch of grass; but cold 
And peaceful seemed that restful mold. 

She another man's wife.'' Oh, 
How black the evening air did grow. 

How strange the wood-birds seemed to sing 
How cold the air though it was spring. 

How drear the atmosphere that morn 
Had ushered in like hope new born. 

'Twas thus this day whose memory 
Still casts a shadow passed away, 

And left me as the flotsam cast 
Upon the seashore by the blast. 



132 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

Adown the narrow road I heard 
A singing voice come; but I stirred 

Not; nor made sound, for I 
Cared not to meet this passer-by. 

But on came Rachel sHm and trim 

And stopped; stopped too, the little hymn 

She had been singing; left the road 
And came on toward me. Oh, the goad 

Of woman's tongue I dreaded then 
More than the bayonet thrust of men. 

But cheerily her clear voice rang 
With words as sweet as those she sang. 

As with a sweep of flowered gown. 
She fluttered like a blossom down 

Upon the ground near by and pat 
Said she had stopped "just for a chat." 

And on and on she gaily told 
Tales most amusing, new and old, 

Meaning my mirth to rouse; the while 
She screened her pity 'neath her smile. 

Through all the lightsome things she said 
She never mentioned Winifred. 

Though until then whene'er we met, 
Her mind on teasing me was set 

And always had she some joke ready 
To flaunt at me of "Winifreddie." 

Through all her pleasant talk a word 
Escaped me not; although I heard 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 1 33 

It well I could not make response 
Save that I raised m}' head the nonce^ 

When quickly o'er my eyes she drew 
Her dainty kerchief soft as dew 

And fragrant with that faint perfume 
That violets give in early bloom. 

Then chatted on. Full well I knew 
What Rachel strove so hard to do. 

And though I spoke not, none the less 
My heart did truly thank and bless. 

Perhaps my silence wearied her; 
She rose, but still seemed to demur 

On leaving me. Her sympathy 
Though unexpressed was plain to me, 

'Twas deep and hidden in her clear 
Sweet accents. "Well, its very near 

To sunset; I must go." she said 

And stroked with gentle touch my head. 

She reached the roadside, "Rachel wait — 
I'll see you home; its growing late." 

So, slowly down the road we went. 
Toward cheering me her converse bent, 

With comments bright on everything 
A thought of interest might bring. 

Avoiding every avenue 

That would approach my present rue. 

Better this silence, far, for me 
She knew, than ill-timed sympathy. 

The interest in my weal she showed 
Through that lone walk on lonely road 



134 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

Fell on my spirit's wretchedness 

Like oil on waters in distress. 

And raised my faith in woman's worth 
That Winifred had dashed to earth. 

Life's bitter held one lingering sweet 
While heart like Rachel's heart still beat. 

Ere midnight, many a shadowed mile 
Lay out between me and the smile 

I knew Jim's sodden face would wear 

If we should meet. I'd rushed off — where.'' 

Aye, where.-* I cared not! Anywhere 
Save stoical to live on there 

And see Jim's wife help earn his bread — 
Exacting, haughty Winifred! 

How madly on the engine sped 
Daring destruction. Night soon fled 

And dawn mapped on the eastern wall 
Of heaven, presage of the fall 

Of early rain. The very sky 
Seemed weeping for her! Oh, that I 

Could still avert the storms that soon 
Must mar her morning, blast her noon. 

And how I loved her! Loved her too, 
Long years after though I knew 
'Twas weak and wicked so to do. 

Months grew to years, years dragged along 
Slow and unheeded; but the strong, 

Fierce battle in my heart still raged 
That only work, work, work assuaged. 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 135 

That grind and rush and crush for gain 
Subdued Jim's triumph and my pain. 

One day a note from Rachel read: 
"Perhaps you've heard that Jim is dead? 

And left his widow gossips say 
Without a dollar to defray 

His funeral's cost. And then the place 
Is mortgaged to a Mr. Brace, 

To whom the debtor in his mesh 
Pays full the last half pound of flesh. 

Foreclosure papers served next week — 
The widow's outlook's surely bleak! 

She's comfortless and ill." To save 
Poor Jim now from a pauper's grave 

It was too late; but slow the tears 
Made dim the hatred of past years. 

III. 

Back again; but autumn now 

Had stripped the verdure from the bough, 

Flinging flakes of early snow 
Where the blossoms used to grow 
In those springtimes long ago. 

Back again; but all is changed 
Or is it I have grown estranged.-* 

Thus I thought and stroked the mane 
Of my horse; I'd reached the lane 

Leading to the mortgaged place 
Held in the clutch of Mr. Brace, 



136 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

Whom I had left an hour ago 
Saying: "The sheriff vv^ill drive slow. 

If yoQ miss him, you'll get there 
Before him and not turn a hair!" 

Which proved true and so I waited 
For the officer belated. 

Strange my feelings waiting there 
Near the little cottage where 

Winifred with beating heart 
Awaited summons to depart. 

After all reproach had fled 
I much pitied Winifred. 

Wearying of waiting where 
Passers-by would greet or stare, 

I walked up toward the cottage slow 
And on the door rapped very low. 

Then the shackly door swung wide 
And I found myself inside, 

Knowing not just what to say 
When we'd passed the time of day. 

Winifred's surprise, though plain 
Suppressed itself beneath her pain. 

She very slowly said at last: 

"I thought it was the sheriff passed 

The window just now when you came; 
I dread him, though he's not to blame." 

She stood there looking off the way 
The smoke-stacks of the city lay. 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 1 37 

With want stamped on her watchful face 
And withered figure whose old grace 
Tatters and time could not efface. 

The next rap on the doorsill brought 
The dread official. I had thought 

To intercept him. "Let me look 
This paper over," and I took 

The packet offered Winifred. 
She, white as ashes from its bed 

Caught up her baby as it lay — 
A little mite of breathing clay — 

And pressed upon it kiss on kiss 

That said "Thank God I still have this!" 

The sheriff coughed and stepped outside. 
He guessed "the halter'd got untied." 

I scanned the paper closely o'er 
Though handling many a one before 

Then folded it. "Cheer up" I said 
"Don't take on this way Winifred, 

'111 is the wind blows no one good' 
We're often told." And there I stood 

Perplexed beside that helpless pair — 
The one unconscious and despair 

Filling the other's heart. Like down 
I lightly touched the baby's crown. 

"1 here doesn't seem to be a hair 
To keep the rain off. Everywhere 

"Are roofs and roofs for other people, 
Some as high's the village steeple. 



138 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

"This one's lov/ but it will do 

To keep the snow and rain off 3^011." 

Tore in twain the mighty paper, 
Watched it as it turned to vapor 

Upon the smouldering fire. Said, 
''I bought the assignment, Winifred, 

"This morning. Now all things are straight 
The home is yours. " Down at the gate 

The sheriff stood. "The mortgage sir 
Has been released." And then the whir 

Of horse's hoofs sped swift along 
And woke the echoes of that song 

Sung by the waters — song that said 
"Lost Winifred— lost Winifred!" 

Song that mocked me, song that seemed 
To taunt me with the dreams I'd dreamed. 

A fearful fever of unrest 
Beset me and within my breast 

There ached as only hearts can ache 
That still beat on where others break. 

For in this woman white and changed, 
With trembling voice and air estranged, 

I'd striven in vain to recognize 

The soul that once looked through those eyes. 

Though searching with the insight fine 
Love lends the dullest of our line. 

nil. 

The train pulled gaily out that night. 
The moon's full disc poured forth a light 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 1 39 

That showed as clear as early day 
The landmarks that about us lay. 

Watching familiar landscapes loom 
And fade off into silvered gloom, 

Listening till all was monotone, 

My senses dulled. The engine's drone 

Lulled me to sleep. And through a mist 
A little babe a woman kissed 

Clung with small fingers to my knees. 

Then passed away and cherry trees 

In full, white bloom breathed on the breeze. 

Then, through the mist I saw instead, 
A narrow, little road that led 
Me on and on where Winifred 

Stood on the summit of a hill 

With arms outstretched to me. My will 

Was but to pass her coldly, when 

A something seemed to stop me. Then 

My arms closed 'round her. Someone said, 

"S/ie's yours at last — your WinifredY' 

The words so startled me I woke. 

Jim's voice, none other, 'twas that spoke, 

In accents so distinct and clear 
I turned to see if he were near. 

A little creepiness came o'er me 

At finding naught but space before me. 

But joy at that swift dream caress 
Swept through me as to soon repress 

All feeling of uncanniness. 

I breathed a prayer for Jim's soul's rest. 



I40 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

V. 

Clear the woodland echoes rang, 
Soft the notes the wood-birds sang! 

Spring's first freshness everywhere 
Pervaded earth and herb and air. 

My pulse beat fast. Was it the thrush 
Whose warble caused the blood to flush 
My cheeks? Or was it that faint, clear, 
Far sound of footsteps drawing near? 

Light footsteps of a woman, they. 
I turned and looked the other way, 

Wondering what the outcome'd be 
Of this meeting here with me. a 

Then turned to watch her as I knew 
The curve had brought her in full view. 

A model for an artist's brush 

As matron mien and maiden blush, 

Together lent unwonted charm 

Unto her charming self. Upon her arm 

A spray of cherry blossoms blent 

Their bloom with hers. I knew they meant 

The olive branch of peace. At last 
The land was reached — the deluge past. 

And keen her sense to note me too; 
Her color heightened as she drew 
Nearer and nearer still; then threw 

A hesitating upward glance 

That lowered at my quick advance. 

"May I relieve you?" and I took 
The cherry blossoms with a look 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA I4I 

Full of deep significance, 

"It's been many a long year since 

"I carried such as these for you!" 
"They've been long years for me, too." 

Was all she said; but frank her eye 
Met mine as in the days gone by. 

"Now I wonder if these things 
Are tied up with the kind of strings 

"And tied up in the sort of way 
You specified to me one day?" 

Quick o'er cheek and brow and nose 
Swept the color of the rose, 

Then withdrew and white as ashes 
Grew e'en her lips. Lowered lashes 

Veiled her deep eyes. I seemed to weep. 
Her pain was so unfeigned and deep. 

I was silent then and bent 

My footsteps to the way she went, 

Quite determined it were best 
To let the bygones, bygones rest. 

Advertently, the while, I took 
Many a downward, sidelong look. 

As we long and longer talked 
Slow and slower still we walked 

Till the narrow roadway grew 
Scarcely wide enough for two. 

While afar the singing sea 
Sang love-laden melody; 

Sang on while with every breeze, 
Came a fragrance from the trees, 



142 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

Faint and fresh and thrilling — oh 
Like the spring air long ago. 



Sister Bessie. 

Where the purple poppies lifted 

Their bright leaves toward sun and sea, 
Stood our cottage home where mother 

Worked, to care for Bess and me. 
As we older grew I helped her, 

In the struggle hard and slow 
And we both planned then that Bessie 

Should do something else than sew. 

So we sent her to the city 

In the distance; there to learn 
Readier and better methods 

When it came her time to earn. 
She was gone! I need not tell you 

That the sunlight seemed to fade 
From every nook and corner 

Of the places where she played. 

There even seemed a sadness 

In the singing of the birds 
That found responsive echo 

In our actions and our words. 
But we put aside this sorrow 

Knowing it was worse than vain; 
Nay, it savored of the selfish 

For our loss was Bessie's gain. 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 143 

Time sped on and on and shortly 

I had grown to mother's height. 
I had tresses Hke the raven 

And had eyes as dark as night. 
And the lovers came a-wooing 

And the world a garden seemed, 
Filled with blossoms that unfolded 

Like the dreams my girlhood dreamed. 

Then there entered that fair garden 

One whose charms cannot be told — 
It was Jarvis, lithe and slender 

Like the cedar tree of old. 
Life took on a new enchantment 

Filled with happiness and him, 
In his eyes there glowed a luster 

That made all the world look dim. 

Love like this comes once a lifetime. 

Only once, and if it stay 
It transforms an earth to Eden, 

Makes a masterpiece of clay. 
If it go the heart's fine center 

Ever afterward is sealed. 
Love's a monarch whose lost scepter 

No succeeding prince may wield! 

Love.'' And was this love that trembled 

In my voice when he was near.? 
Love? That brought the blinding blushes 

And a joy akin to fear.-* 
Love.'' That thrilled the heart to stupor 

Like inebriating wine.? 
Aye, 'twas love akin to madness 

And such love as this was mine! 



144 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

Then there came that night in summer 

When the moon a path of gold 
Traced upon the singing waters, 

That grew hushed as Jarvis told 
All his planning for the future, 

All his hopes and doubts and fears- 
All his journeys full of prospect, 

All the length of waiting years! 

And his voice seemed like the moonlight 

As his face bent down to mine 
And he whispered that he loved me 

And I felt his arm entwine, 
In its strong love-clasp about me 

While my cheeks with blushes burned. 
As I promised, oh, I promised 

To be his when he returned. 

Did a shadow cross the pathway 

That the summer moonbeams made? 
Or was it only fancy 

That the moonlight seemed to fade? 
There, amid the purple poppies 

Sleeping near the shadowed sea, 
With my arms filled with their blossoms 

Jarvis said goodbye to me. 

Letter followed letter telling 

Of his failures and his fears 
Till the days and weeks of failures 

Grew to months and months to years. 
Oft I watched the pearly setting 

Of the ring now growing dim. 
That had sealed that happy promise 

To be true and wait for him. 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 145 

Then the tide turned. Jarvis wrote me 

That he drank of fortune's cup. 
That his gold had reached the thousands 

And from thousands onward up. 
Now his letters glowed with pictures 

Of our comfort — his and mine 
And a rapturous note of triumph 

Vibrant rang through every line. 

But I thought of tired mother 

Who should now from work be free; 
And of Bessie! — oh, my fortune 

Was the fortune of all three. 
In my new-found joy, ignoring 

Every discipline and rule 
I sent away for Bessie 

Bringing her straightway from school. 

I rejoiced that Bessie never 

Need earn now as I had earned, 
And could have the proper setting 

To display the arts she'd learned. 
Gracefully her eighteen summers 

Lay like garlands on her brow. 
Always beauteous, buoyant, charming 

She was more than all that now. 

Did I envy her those tresses, 

Gleaming like the silk of corn.? 
Or that voice that sounded ringing 

Like the meadow lark's at morn.-* 
No; I watched her with the ardor 

That a miser does his gold 
And I viewed her with the rapture 

That a sculptor does his mold; 



146 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

Till I noticed — I was slow to — 

That her glances often strayed, 
In a winsome, sunlight fashion 

Up to Jarvis when she played. 
After all I could not wonder 

When 'twas plain for all to see, 
On the strains of Bessie's music 

Jarvis' heart had gone from me. 

I had faded in the waiting 

Till he'd come to claim his bride. 
She was fair — I could not wonder 

That he drifted to her side. 
And I calmly viewed the wasteness 

Of life's vintage; saw the wine 
Of my years of patient waiting 

Drained by other lips than mine. 

In his hand that seemed to tremble 

Half in shame, half in delight 
Did I lay the ring he gave me 

Where the poppies bloomed that night; 
Where the moon across the water 

Traced a gleaming path of gold, 
Where I listened to the story 

Always new, whene'er 'tis told! 

He was free. I watched him wooing 

Blue-eyed Bessie for his bride 
Saw her yield to his caresses 

Saw her wedded at his side. 
Saw her pass out from the shelter 

Of our mother's roof, and then, 
Mother shared with me the burden 

Of the same old life again. 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 14/ 

But we spoke no more of Jarvis 

And our Bessie's name was said 
In the tone in which we mention 

Those we love but who are dead. 
Thus before the fading embers 

As we sat again alone 
And I held her wasting fingers 

Bitter were the thoughts I've known. 

Crushed and broken was the idol 

That my heart had held so long- 
Stilled forever was the song-bird 

That had charmed me with her song 
But the fragments of that idol 

Chafing in my heart still lay 
And the echo of that singing, 

Sounded like a dirge alway. 

No need now to hope that mother, 

In her later years would live 
In a home of peace and plenty, 

That I fancied mine to give! 
And I watched with stoic calmness 

As the end came on apace 
And I held her panting figure 

At the closing of the race. 

Kneeling there I smoothed her forehead, 

Gazed, as gaze we the last time 
In a face by death approaching 

Rendered awful and sublime. 
And she said: "If Bessie needs you 

Or is suffering, will you take 
And love her and console her 

And — forgive — her — for m)' sake.?" 



148 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

Low her voice, her accents broken 

Drawn and faint had come to me 
And her spirit while I promised 

Fled its bondage and was free. 
Was it hunger for my kindred? 

Was it hatred lured me on? 
Which I knew not, but I followed 

Soon the way that Bessie'd gone. 

I, a mistress of the needle 

Found homes welcoming me alway. 
So across the street from Bessie 

Was the place I chose to stay. 
After while a great commotion 

Stirred the house across the way 
And physicians quickly gathered 

From all parts I heard them say. 

For the mistress there was ailing 

Something sudden had occurred. 
I could scarcely see my stitches 

Everything was blank and blurred. 
It was growing near to midnight 

It was damp and cold and still; 
I was standing near the casement 

Pressing hard against the sill. 

I was watching close the window 

Looking out from Bessie's room 
Where I'd often seen her standing 

In her luxury and bloom. 
I could see the shadows flitting 

Past the curtain to and fro. 
And I said: "Poor Bessie's sinking 

Like a candle burning low." 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 149 

Two short years ago the balance 

Quivered in the trying strain 
As the weight of Bessie's triumph 

Raised my love and loss and pain. 
Now I watched the beam ascending, 

Watched with eager bated breath — 
In the scale was Bessie's triamph 

In the counter scale was death. 

Thoughts like these in pain and passion 

Through my trembling lips I hissed, 
Till a thought made clear my vision 

As the sun dispels a mist: 
It was this, that mother whispered 

Half asleep and half awake: 
"Will you love her and console her 

And — forgive — her — for my sake?" 

So it came a moment later 

I had crossed the darksome street 
Entering through the servant's hallway, 

There a frightened group to meet. 
Raised my finger with the warning 

That they still their squeamish cries: 
"I am come, your mistress' sister 

To be with her when she diesi" 

And the cry "Tis madness, madness 

She's escaped from someone's care!" 
Rang along the echoing hallway 

As I crossed the topmost stair. 
Through my many lonely vigils 

At the window o'er the way 
I'd an idea where the room was 

And where sister Bessie lay; 



I50 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

So the next thing that I knew was 

I was kneeling near her bed 
Trjdng hard to catch the accents 

Of the last words that she said; 
P'or she knew me. Oh, the language 

Of her great expressive eyes! 
There were pain, grief and repentance 

There were joy, hope and surprise. 

And her words came faint and feebly 

Like the twitter of a bird — 
"Sister tell me you forgive me!" 

These were all the words I heard. 
But she clasped her arms about me 

Kissed and kissed me then she sighed. 
So with head upon my bosom 

And with heart at rest she died. 

With a lingering, longing pressure 

Of her dear form to my breast 
I withdrew my arms and laid her 

Like a tired child to rest. 
Drawing back a heavy curtain 

Jarvis entered as I rose. 
He extended icy fingers 

I replied with touch that froze. 

Strange to say, that night in summer 

With its moonlight and its bloom 
Drifted in and for a moment 

Hid the sleeper in that room. 
Then it passed off to the distance 

With the bitter fruit it bore — 
Passed away and never, never 

Did return to grieve me more. 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 151 

I had dreamt the dream that dreamers 

Waking from which dream no more. 
I had plucked the fruit of gladness 

And found canker at the core. 
But my heart went back to Bessie 

As the heart will go at will; 
Naught remained to do but love her 

As my one sweet sister still. 



Spring. 

The Spring of 1890 was unusually cold and discouraging. 
An editor complained that no spring poems having been offered 
the goddess of spring she was angry in consequence. To placate 
the goddess and bring about good weather the following lines 
were written. 

Our Spring arriv' on Friday last — 
There came a sort o' southern blast 
That kinder told the sun had cast 
His fur-lined coat. 
An' out among the shiv'rin trees 
The birds began ter quit ter sneeze, 
An' gan ter try ter sorter wheeze 
An* clear the throat. 

They seemed ter want ter welcome spring, 
An' kinder think they'd like ter sing 
An' make their song an' this ere thing 
The weather, kinder match. 
They sorted out with frost-nipped nose 
The eggs that didn't seem much froze, 
An* settled down to warm their toes 
An' tried ter hatch. 



152 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

The lilacs spread their blossoms out, 

The toads began to stir about, 

The onion beds began ter sprout, 

An' natur' smiled. 

The tulips tho't 'twas time to go 

An' dropt their leaves down purty low. 

The snow-birds quit their flittin so 

An' seemed quite riled. 

Spring seemed ter kinder sorter say 
She'd come this time for sure ter stay; 
Though Friday's not a lucky day 
Ter'gin things on. 

So when the twilight 'gan ter crawl 
The Night put on her winter shawl 
An' shook with agey — well that's all — 
Spring'd come an' gone! 



Why I Rhyme. 

I do not rhyme, because the time 
The Lord has given me. 

Is whiled away at game or play 
Or that my hands are free. 

For yonder laughing in his crib. 
One noisy treasure lies. 

With restless, chubby, dimpled fists 
And wide, blue, wondering eyes. 

Out on the freshly fallen snow 

Another cherub stands, 
Holding the crispy, new-found joy 

In little mittened hands. 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 1 53 

Around my neck e'en as I write 

Two round, warm arms are pressed 

And kisses on my cheeks fall fast, 
With all a baby's zest. 

As stout and strong as day is long 

As calm and sunny too 
With eyes so tender and so grave 

So quiet and so blue, 

There comes at eve, with lightsome step, 

The centre of our joys, 
And close in father's arms are pressed 

These blessed, bouncing boys. 

So there are duties near and dear 

That much engross the time 
And fill the hours and tax the powers, 

Yet thoughts drift through in rhyme. 

I rhyme because my heart o'erflows 

With happiness and hope. 
Our way leads up through scented bloom 

Along life's sunny slope . 

And rhyme makes music out of life — 
A rhythm that through the maze 

Beats on in time though time but brings 
The parting of the ways. 



154 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

Ingratitude. 

She took them from my hand and said, 

They wei'e nice flowers." 
And then I sav/ from them had fled 

In those short hours, 
The freshness that made me select 

These from the rest, 
Because they seemed best to reflect 

Her that I Hked best. 

I winced me at the ingrate phrase — 

"They zve-re nice flowers." 
And feit she might have said in place, 

"How many hours 
You gathered these to give to me 

A beauteous gift. 
And in this vase I'll watch to see 

Their petals lift!" 

I'd meant to please; but, failing turned 

Me slow away. 
Within my heart a sorrow burned. 

Refining its clay. 
And teaching me this wholesome truth: 

God's sun and showers — 
All he hath given, I've taken in sooth 

As she, these flowers. 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 155 



I had a love m the long ago, 

Small of stature and round of limb, 

My belt or a two-foot rule I know 

Easily then would have measured him. 

Into my ear with a lover's grace 

He told the story of love and thrall. 

And I never winced at his beardless face 
Or minded his tootMessness at all. 

As bald as a cocoanut was he. 

Awkward of gesture and bold of caress. 
Vapid his language as Chimpanzee 

But it held me spell-bound nevertheless. 

Nor was I jealous though I could see 
As I followed his unaffected glance. 

That someone as toothless and hairless as he 
Seemed to hold his soul in ecstatic trance. 

But a crop of hair on his bald head grew 

And one at a time came a tooth in place. 

And he cultivated some strange tastes, too, 

That developed along with his years apace. 

I was inured to this fickle blade 

And his many freaks of the fancy-free. 

And I knew wherever his light heart strayed 
It would hold a place in its depths for me. 

I waited my rival's arrival when, 

I knew he would woo at another's side. 

And he searched the hills and he searched the glen 
And at last came back with a dainty bride. 



156 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

The Picture Could Tell. 

The north wind blows cold o'er the gables today 

And wails as a human might wail. 
And around where the daisies and buttercups grew 

It is drifting the snow and the hail. 
It is closing the spread 'round the sides of a bed 

Where withered grass waves to and fro. 
But its kiss is as light as a mother's at night 

That wakes not the sleeper below. 

The snowdrifts like sentinels guard well the place 

As knovv'ing the still sleeper's mind. 
They are covering closer the secrets of him 

Who left only mystery behind. 
So silent was he in a world full of glee, 

We marvelled if ever he bore, 
In that bosom of his, just a warmth like to bliss 

Whose embers rekindled no more. 

When we played at his knee and as children played free, 

We drew from his bosom a case. 
And there did behold in its locket of gold 

A laughing and beautiful face. 
He told us that day as he laid it away 

'Twas a friend whom in boyhood he knew. 
That the hair pictured there like the sunshine was fair 

The eyes were as summer skies, blue. 

He seemed like a man made of marble. But why 

'Mid chimes of sweet life like a knell 
Did his silence impress.-* Ah, the picture could guess 

If the lips in the picture could tell! 
And they'd quickly reveal what his silence did seal; 

They'd reveal and we'd know they were right, 
That sunshine and skies found in hair and in eyes 

Have turned many a day into night. 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 157 

The Dream. 
I. 

The sunlight on the mountain side 

Shone bright on rock and tree. 
The ripples on the laughing tide 

Came flower-fumed to me. 
For round my door my children sang 

For me their happy notes. 
The meadow and the woodland rang 

With music from their throats. 

Our little ones! No flower bloomed 

As fair as our Irene. 
No song-bird, voice howe'er attuned, 

Sang sweet as our Eugene. 
No sunbeam glancing gay and bright 

Threw radiance half so fair 
As Hubert's face all love and light 

Framed round with golden hair. 

My heart was young, my home was where 

Birds sang the summer long, 
But I, o'er-wrought with household care 

Oft wearied of their song. 
The very sunlight irksome grew; 

The waves out on the bay 
Washed wearily and weary too 

I grew of childish play! 

At night the little dreamers lay 

So near me as they slept. 
And o'er them then as in their play 

A mother's watch I kept. 



158 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

But weary oft the charge became, 

1 longed for rest, for peace. 
I felt a wish I dared not name — 

I often craved release. 

For I grew weary day by day 

Of clamrous rush and rout 
Of mud-prints to be brushed away 

Of toys all strewn about. 
Their mirth, their plaints, their need of care, 

The soothing they desired 
Oppressed, debarred me every where 

Of pleasure, and I tired. 



II. 



The snowdrifts on the mountains side 

Piled high on rock and tree. 
The moaning of the troubled tide 

Sigh-laden came to me. 
The music of each childish voice 

Had long since died away. 
The house was still — I had my choice — 

Full quiet all the day! 

Could fold my hands, not tired now 

From over-work and care. 
Could go from room to room and, lo. 

Find order everywhere. 
The rooms seemed empty, large and still: 

So still that I could hear 
My lonely heart-beats. Naught to fill 

Each moment but a tear, 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 159 

I spread our humble board for two — 

Three little plates were gone. 
The happ}^ feet that waxed and grew 

And danced about the lawn 
Were quiet now. The world looked gray 

And still and strange and lost. 
The waves out on the surly bay 

Were crested o'er with frost. 

My arms were rested but they grew 

To weigh upon my breast. 
My hands had leisure but they knew 

No usefulness or rest. 
For, oh, my eyes would ever stray 

Where slow the mountain rose, 
And linger where our song-bird lay 

Asleep among its snows. 

Or at the window toward the bay 

Long, lonely hours I'd stand 
And think of him whose raft that day 

Had failed to reach the land. 
The ships, like seabirds skimmed the bay, 

The sails like white wings spread. 
I'd watch them till they'd fade away 

And note the light they shed 

Down in the waves. "Perhaps it shines" 

I'd think, "way down to where 
Alas, the slimy seaweed twines 

In Hubert's golden hair!" 
Again in agony I'd trace 

Our parting with Irene 
And hold her in a mock embrace 

As do we in a dream. 



l60 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

Too late we found for our frail flower 

The sea-breeze worked no weal. 
We took her where we thought the power 

Of southern suns might heal. 
We laid her where the orange trees 

Their fragrant petals shed 
And left her where the evening breeze 

Its prayer of requiem said. 



III. 

"My little ones come back again 

Come back, do I implore; 
I'll soothe, I'll solace and sustain 

And murmur nevermore! 
Come back, my little ones, to me! 

The mud-prints on the floor 
I'll brush away on bended knee 

Nor blame nor chide you more!" 

"Come back" I called "Oh little hearts 

I once had power to soothe — 
Come back, I'll use all mother-arts 

To make life bright and smooth!" 
They heard not. Gone beyond recall. 

Beyond reproach and pain! 
Yet I would hearken in the hall 

And think they'd called my name. 

But no child's voice came to console; 

No toys lay where they'd plaj^ed. 
No word came back to ease my soul 

Or tell me where they staj^ed. 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA l6l 

What would I give could I bestow 

For one short hour again 
The solace, which too oft I know 

They sought from me in vain! 

Stay conscience! Blot away that page. 

Tear down that blackened scroll. 
This pent-up agony, this rage 

Of grief brooks no control. 
Efface the horror of its reign 

By selfish love debased. 
A mother's heart — her child's domain 

Knows no such sterile waste! 



nil. 

The moonbeams on the mountain side 

Shone soft on rock and tree. 
The ripple of the restless tide 

Came music-like to me. 
I roused, I struggled with the rush 

Of hope and fear and pain. 
A weight of horror seemed to crush 

The reason from my brain! 

The moonbeams through the lattice shone 

Bright on each lovely child. 
I looked again, they were my own, 

They lay asleep and smiled. 
Irene, slept not 'neath southern trees 

But wrapt in bloom lay there. 
And, o'er my breast like golden fleece 

Flowed Hubert's sunny hair. 



l62 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

Eugene — I drew him to my breast 

In joy's ecstatic glow, 
Our song-bird lived — he did not rest 

Out under drifts of snow. 
With eyes too widely strained to weep 

I looked my treasures o'er. 
Such priceless pearls, the ocean's sweep 

Ne'er cast upon the shore. 

I felt each pulse to be assured 

Things were just as they seemed. 
So real the anguish I'd endured 

I could not think I'd dreamed. 
Say, do you marvel that I knelt 

With prayerful hands upraised, 
And would you question what I felt 

As on each child I gazed. 

I felt and knew, the scales had shed 

And left my vision free. 
That life by every pleasure fed 

Were naught without these three. 
And do you think the promise wrung 

From heart so tried and sore 
Was broken.'* Nay remorse had stung, 

I've murmured nevermore. 



WHISPERS OF THE SEA 163 



Beyond The Sunset. 

We go back a long time backward 

And forget life has a past; 
Live again its first, fond freshness 

And forget this cannot last. 
We absorb the joy of dreaming 

Of the fancies once our own. 
Live again within the castles 

Built of precious woods and stone. 

Drink again at love's fair fountain 

Playing free in life's great mart — 
In that dew-time of existence, 

Fair, first mornings of the heart. 
Life lay out before us beckoning 

With the promise of "To Be;" 
Of rare treasures in her caverns 

Of rich lands far out to sea. 

Not a shadow dimmed the memory, 

Not a backward glance we took, 
As we hastened as we hasten 

To peruse an unread book. 
We were sure fair winds would waft us 

Where but songs of joy were sung — 
To the islands of Great Gladness — 

Thus looked life when we were young. 

Waves v/ere restless in mid-ocean. 

Squalls and mists obscured our way. 

But we held to helm and compass 

While we braved the blinding spray. 



164 WHISPERS OF THE SEA 

Then a courage strong and dauntless 
Of our fibre formed a part; 

In that strong time in that song time — 
Brilliant noontime of the heart! 

But we found no treasure caverns 

Waiting till we came that way. 
Found no shores of Silver Sunshine 

Strewn with pearls cast by the spray. 
Long before our search was over 

While we studied still our chart, 
Wide horizons banked in shadow 

Told 'twas evening of the heart. 

Hope points now to islands lying 

Past the billows of unrest. 
Where the rainbow full of promise 

Spans the archways of the west. 
Toward the land of playing fountains 

Toward the land of songs unsung. 
They're the islands of Great Gladness 

That we sought when we were young. 

But they rise not from the waters 

That time shifts with rapid change. 
They are further on where spirit, 

Only compasses their range. 
Lying far out toward the west-line 

Past the clouds the sunset hung — 
These, the islands of Great Gladness 

Of which youth and hope had sung. 




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